Move over Mike Van Gorder, Alex Rodriguez is All-Universe. If he decides to enter free agency after this season, which is likely considering how well he’s performing and because his agent is Scott Boras, Rodriguez will become the only player in baseball’s history to make over $300 million in his career. That’s more than the worth of exactly one third of MLB teams according to Forbes’ 2006 valuations. If he does leave, which team’s cap he’ll wear in Cooperstown will be up in the air ‘ most likely Seattle’s, barring a World Championship this year. As far as Rodriguez’s team is concerned, once he inevitably comes back down to earth, the starting pitching and the injuries the Yankees have sustained make for a lot of question marks.

Using the Pythagorean method, which looks at how many runs teams score and allow, the Mets and Red Sox are baseball’s best teams. Over the course of the season, the results will likely be reflected in the standings, but the 2006 Indians proved that’s not always the case. The Mets have baseball’s best defense so far, having converted more balls put into play into outs than any other team.

Despite MLB’s notable efforts to honor Jackie Robinson last Sunday, the presence of blacks has declined in Major League Baseball both in the front office and on the field. Part of the problem in attracting African-American youth ‘ besides how desirable NBA and NFL careers have become ‘ may be the lack of a prominent, likable black star; Barry Bonds is too hated by too many; the skills of Ken Griffey Jr., perhaps the ’90s best player, have declined due to injury and age; and Dontrelle Willis and C.C. Sabathia are good pitchers but play in smaller markets and are not truly dominant players. Recently-injured Ryan Howard, stuck on an under-performing team, needs to repeat last year’s performance; Delmon Young and a handful of other younger prospects may be the best candidates for super-stardom. It’ll take time.