Midway through the 2009 Spring Training season we're starting to see some significant bumps and bruises piling up around the league.

Whether its because of the World Baseball Classic, poor offseason conditioning, or players trying to work the winter kinks out of their system, some big names are starting to show up on the benches;

A-Rod; in case you missed it. Hip surgery. Out til May. Moving on.

Cole Hamels is experiencing tightness in his pitching elbow, and may not be the World F*cking Champs opening day starter this season.

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has been sidelined thanks to a strain in his right side.

Manny's hammy is barking, causing Joe Torre to relegate his dread locked slugger to the bench.

Aaron Boone is going to have open heart surgery to correct a valve disorder. Not sure when or if he'll ever return to baseball. We're wishing him good luck and a speedy recovery.

Star outfielder Ryan Braun was pulled from the WBC thanks to aggravating his right rib cage.

Mariano Rivera threw for the first time this season and looked good.

Yes, we titled this post the corniest post known to baseball blogging. Get over it, we did. Keep reading, we've got spring training updates.

Carlos Beltran says the Mets are the team to beat. Not the Phillies. Take that Jimmy Rollins. We're hoping that this playground bickering will lead to an intense rivalry for the NL East. Mets/Phillies fights would be great to see. Like the Yankee/Sox fights at the turn of the century.

Closer, starter, ace, pinch hitter. What's next in link for Cardinals righty Adam Wainright? Mathew Leach of MLB.com talks about the future of the Cardinals dominating starter.

Devil Rays closer Troy Percival will be taking it easy this spring, but he says he's back to where he wants to be.

Are the Indians thinking about life without a few CC's in their rotation? MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince takes a look at the Indian's chances without their ace in the hole.

Rocco Baldelli will be taking it easy this spring training and will likely start the season as the Ray's DH. Rotowire reports that team officials sat down with Baldelli and outlined a plan for his safe return to the outfield.

According to numerous published reports, Red Sox Outfielder Manny Ramirez seems to have had a change of heart this offseason.
Going into the last guaranteed year of a mega deal contract might have that effect on you.
Ramirez has been working out in Tempe Arizona at the Athlete's Performance Institute. Manny has also indicated that he'll be at the Red Sox training facility day one, whereas he's failed to show up on time the previous two spring training report dates.
At thirty five years of age, Manny's body has begin to wear and tear. Last season, late in the season, Manny suffered a second injury in two years that hampered his production down the stretch.
The Red Sox hold a $20 million option on Ramirez, so to put it bluntly, Ramirez needs to get his ass into shape.