One of the most intriguing "What Ifs" in baseball history is the question "What if the Reds did NOT trade Frank Robinson to Cincinnati?"

Truth be told, while it was a HORRIBLE trade for the Reds, it is hard to see them having a BETTER decade in the 1970's with him as they had without him.

For some reason, my kids love the Star Wars prequels. But my being incredulous to liking The Phantom Menace et al made me realize I was doing what I hate when I hear it from baseball fans:

I was discounting what they loved based on MY Nostalgia.

Tom Brunansky made a great catch to clinch the 1990 AL East Division for the Red Sox. I remembered looking for a place in New York to watch the game. And comedian Mike Donovan recorded the catch on video. Today those two actions would be taken for granted. In 1990, they took determination to do.

The A's in Oakland have a history of innovation on and off the field. Their new stadium should reflect that. And Las Vegas should rig a few games to make sure the Raiders move out to give the A's room to build their park.

The World Baseball Classic is going on again this year. I am not a big fan of it, but it SHOULD be a gateway to bring the best and most talented from all over the world to compete on the American stage.

The Houston Astros must be considered one of the most tortured fan bases in baseball. A closer examination at their post season past shows a huge number of games that could have been theirs with a bounce here or there.

SUNDAY REQUEST - @thestartingbloc wonders who is the best hitter of this generation: Cabrera or Pujols.

The San Diego Padres can be a unique fan base if 35,000 people can show up to PetCo Park a day. Why not? It is a fun time at the ball game!

Rich Gossage is one of the greatest relievers of all time. But he almost became an All Star workhouse starter. Why? Because he was one.

It is the 10 year anniversary of the Red Sox second championship this century. The legacy of the team is not a cute and cuddly one.