03/28/2007 10:00 AM ET
Top 10 storylines heading into 2007
League's major topics will hold fans' interest all season long
By Jim Molony / MLB.com
Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka's $103 million price tag will ensure he's a hot topic all season long. (AP)
The 2007 season has the potential to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Great division races and a record year for historic milestones are but a few of the compelling storylines on tap and we haven't even reached Opening Day.
Whether you're a casual fan or fanatic, there are enough major topics on the horizon to hold your interest in the coming season, such as:
No. 1 -- Matsuzaka Mania
The hype began building last winter when the Boston Red Sox bid $51 million just for the right to negotiate with Japanese superstar pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. Boston's total outlay of $103 million for Matsuzaka and his "gyroball" has become an international story and one that will command a similar level of attention especially in the early days of the season.
No. 2 -- Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron's home run record
Bonds, with 734 career home runs, needs 21 to tie all-time home run king Aaron and 159 hits to reach 3,000 for his career. Whether you like, loathe or are indifferent to Bonds, most fans will want to see what the reaction is when he closes in on Aaron.
No. 3 -- The Chicago Cubs
Can Lou Piniella, Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis and Mark DeRosa fix what ails the Cubs? Can the franchise's $300 million offseason investment lift the Cubs from worst to first in the National League Central?
No. 4 -- The American League Central
With four teams talented enough to reach the playoffs in '07, the American League Central figures to be baseball's toughest division again this year. Will it be a four-team cavalry charge between the Twins, Tigers, White Sox and Indians all the way to the wire?
No. 5 -- Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees
Is this the make or break year for this high-profile relationship?
No. 6 -- The AL East
Boston spent heavily during the offseason and the Yankees made some significant moves, but Toronto, which finished second last year, might be ready to pull off a surprise in this division.
No. 7 -- Milestone year
It's a milestone year for milestones, as Craig Biggio closes in on 3,000 hits, Tom Glavine needs 10 wins for 300 and both Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr. could hit career home run No. 600 this season.
No. 8 -- Five for 500
Other historic home runs could be flying out of several parks this year, as five players could pass the 500 career home run milestone this season, including Frank Thomas (with 487 career homers), Jim Thome (472), Manny Ramirez (470), A-Rod (464) and Gary Sheffield (455).
No. 9 -- The NL East battle
The Mets were the dominant regular-season team in the league last year and have arguably the best lineup in the league, but have an unsettled rotation. Philadelphia, with MVP Ryan Howard and star second baseman Chase Utley, may be ready to assume command in the division. And don't forget the retooled Braves, who will try to prove last year's end to their string of 14 consecutive division titles was just an aberration.
No. 10 -- Will Roger Clemens stay retired this time or come back for one more season?
We should know one way or the other by late May or early June as the Astros, Red Sox, Yankees and baseball fans await an answer from the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.
...hey and number 11 ??? LOL
Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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