Last year’s NL Cy Young award winner is just one of many players who are in new places this spring. Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) throws during the top of the second inning of a spring training split squad game against the Boston Red Sox at Florida Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Remember “Who’s On First?”  the classic routine perfected by the legendary comedy team of Abbott and Costello ? If you’re too young to know what I‘m talking about, then YouTube it sometime. That question is even more pertinent today, with many teams cleaning house pretty frequently. A franchise will put all of it’s money and hopes into a team, win a championship, and then unload everyone to get it’s payroll back down. The Florida Marlins were the first team that I remember doing this, when after their championship season in 1997, they conducted their infamous “Fire Sale.” It’s only a gut feeling, but I’ll bet the Washington Nationals pull something similar, should all the millions they’ve spent on Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Dan Haren, and Rafael Soriano, ever bring them a World Series victory. Just a hunch.

At the risk of sounding like an old guy cliché, back in the good ol’ days the players tended to remain on teams for much longer durations. Before Curt Flood of the St. Louis Cardinals opened the gates to free agency following the 1969 season, many players stayed on one team their entire career. Stan Musial was a Cardinal, Ernie Banks was a Cub, Ted Williams played for the Red Sox, and Mickey Mantle stayed a Yankee. You couldn’t envision these players in any other uniform. Today, I would say that Derek Jeter is the only current MLB player that I would be shocked to see play for a new team. I still concede it a possibility, but I just don’t think he ever leaves New York.

February 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (left) and third baseman Kevin Youkilis (36) share a laugh as they stretch prior to the game during spring training against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to loyalty in sports in the 21st century, I believe that the fans are much more given to feelings of team spirit and unity than a lot of GMs, owners, and even players. Players chase the bigger money at the first opportunity, regardless of any prior rivalries or previous ill feelings for a team. Not saying I blame them. Some acquisitions just shouldn’t be allowed, though. They threaten the balance of the universe. Case in point…. Kevin Youkilis. If you are a Yankee fan of at least the last several seasons you have grown to regard Kevin Youkilis with a special kind of disdain. You loved it when Mariano Rivera struck him out and maybe even rejoiced when Joba Chamberlain “let one get away” and plunked Yuke between his broad shoulders. Now, GM Brian Cashman has elected to bring in the free agent third baseman and put him in pinstripes. Just like that, a player you detest is supposed to be welcomed into the fold. The other Yankees have voiced no objection. Obviously, Cashman and Youkilis are tickled pink. It only matters to some fans, apparently.

Do the Yankees and Red Sox even have a rivalry anymore ? Does it mean anything at all to the players ? The opponents chat amiably when on base, and are known to dine out together afterwards on occasion. Since players do change teams so much, you have former teammates continuing their friendships even after they become opponents on bitter rivals. Which is fine and dandy by me. Elvis Costello correctly surmised that there’s nothing funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding. I’m just showing how fan loyalties seem to differ from that of the players.

It used to be easier to be a fan of a team. You became more familiar with players, since they tended to stick around longer. I mean, do we even know who the players really are anymore ? In this cyber age of imaginary girlfriends and on-line aliases, you can’t be too sure, can you ? The Tampa Bay Rays seem to be where players guilty of assuming fraudulent identities, go to resurrect their careers. The former Leo Nunez is now going by his real name of Juan Carlos Oviedo and signed with Tampa Bay on January 22, 2013. Fausto Carmona had some good years in Cleveland. Now he’s known as Roberto Hernandez and was also last seen trying to win a spot in Tampa Bay‘s bullpen.

Now, let’s turn our attention to some of the player moves that feature more star power than Juan Carlos or Roberto ( or whoever they are ) possess.

February 26, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) signs autographs before a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Hamilton is the newest big addition to an already good Angels squad. Having Mike Trout leading off, with Albert Pujols and Hamilton hitting three and four, they should have opposing pitchers muttering expletives on their way back to the dugout all season.

Shin-Soo Choo might be the answer to the Reds leadoff woes. Drew Stubbs hit an anemic .213 with 166 strikeouts last year for the Reds, while often hitting in the first spot. He goes to Cleveland in exchange for Choo. Choo hit .283, but also struck out too much, fanning 150 times himself.

The Upton brothers will both patrol the outfield for the Atlanta Braves. However, the two young men are widely considered to be talented players who have underachieved to this point. Early in his career, Justin was touted as a possible MVP candidate and perhaps to be a “new Ken Griffey, Jr.”. Brother B.J. has also had some up and down years with the Tampa Bay Rays. Many fans are waiting to see if they can finally put it all together.

Nick Swisher, Rafael Soriano, Russell Martin, Raul Ibanez, Andruw Jones, and Eric Chavez all leave the New York Yankees via free agency. Don‘t let the door hit you on the way out, boys. The much-maligned Kevin Youkilis ( for the White Sox last year, he hit a paltry .235 and struck out 108 times in 438 at bats ) arrives to hold down the hot corner. A-Rod is injured and possibly in hot water over PEDs again. Curtis Granderson just broke his forearm at the start of the preseason and is out until May, making the departures of Swisher and Ibanez sting all the more.

The Toronto Blue Jays made several big acquisitions. R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, and Mark Buerhle come in to bolster their pitching staff. While Melky Cabrera and Jose Reyes will help the offense. With Juan Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion already in the lineup, the Jays were no slouch at the plate even last year.

Better buy a program when you attend your first game this year, as these are just a few of the player moves since the 2012 season ended. Look for even more free agent activity as the preseason goes on. As players are released, they will be considered for holes on other teams. Already speculation is rampant on how the Yankees might fill the void left by Curtis Granderson in the outfield. Vernon Wells name has been whispered, as has the names of two former Yankees, Johnny Damon and Alfonso Soriano.

Jun 03, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins catcher John Buck (14) during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Their ability to handle a pitching staff is a crucial aspect of a catcher’s duties. In these times of situational pitchers and specialists, making the right pitch selections is more vital than ever to winning ballgames. Handling a pitching staff and their quirks and eccentricities is also a catchers responsibility. It’s much like being a harried day care worker, having to treat and discipline each child differently to get them to behave.

A catcher should move well behind the plate, so as to block wild pitches, and should have a good percentage of throwing out base runners. A runner often steals more on the pitcher than the catcher, however. A catcher must be fearless, often blocking the plate and risking injury. He should know his opposing hitters well. Bi-lingual catchers are also a plus, as communication is key to getting hitters out. Hitting prowess is often considered “ gravy ” as far as catchers go. Do all the other things well, and a manager can overlook a .220 batting average.

I’d like to list for you now my Top Ten All-Time Catchers. I won’t bore you with a lot of stats, but give a brief statement on each.

Top Ten All-Time Catchers

Jul 1974; Cincinnati, OH, USA FILE PHOTO; Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench (5) signs autographs prior to a game in the 1974 season at Riverfront Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-US PRESSWIRE

1. Johnny Bench – I saw Johnny play in person for the Big Red Machine many times as a young boy in the ‘70s. Bench had huge hands and there is a famous pic of him holding seven baseballs in one hand. Bench would quickly pivot in his crouch, not getting up, and fire throws to first and third base picking off runners. Johnny was the complete package. He boasted stellar offensive numbers and was an incredibly gifted defensive player.

2. Yogi Berra – The lovable Yogi is just as famous for his funny quotes as his great numbers and World Series wins. Here’s two to make you smile. “ Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded “ and “ O.K, I want everybody to pair up in threes ! “

3. Roy Campanella - On January 28, 1958, after closing up his liquor store for the night, Roy was driving to his home in Glen Cove, New York. Tragically, he hit a patch of ice, wrecking the vehicle and becoming paralyzed from the waist down. He had a relatively short MLB career, after previously starring in the Negro League.

4. Ivan Rodriguez- Great hitter and even better defensive specialist. Second only to Bench defensively, in my opinion.

5. Josh Gibson- Josh Gibson was a negro league legend. Records were often poorly kept of those games, many of which were barnstorming contests against inferior competition. Still, he was rumored to have possibly hit anywhere from 800- 1000 HR’s in his storied career. The lack of accurate records has led to a lot of folklore regarding Negro League stars. It was said that Cool Papa Bell was so fast he could turn out his bedroom light and be under the covers before it got dark ! Of Josh Gibson, the story goes that in the last of the ninth inning at Pittsburgh, his team down a run, with a runner on base and two outs, Gibson hit a HR far into the night sky, apparently winning the game. The next day, the same two teams were playing again, but now in Washington. Just as the teams had positioned themselves on the field, a ball came falling out of the sky and a Washington outfielder grabs it. The umpire yells to Gibson, “You’re out ! In Pittsburgh….yesterday!”.

6. Mickey Cochran - He was one of the best catchers of the 1920′s and ’30′s. He finished his career with a .320 batting average.

April 20, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former catcher Carlton Fisk walks past former players Johnny Pesky, seated right, and Bobby Doerr, seated left, during the 100th anniversary celebration at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

7. Carlton Fisk - Perhaps best known for his series tying HR in game six of the 1976 world series vs. the Cincinnati Reds. Great all-around player.

8. Mike Piazza - He finished his career with a .308 batting average, 427 home runs, and recorded 1,335 RBI’s. Mike Piazza was easily the best offensive catcher of all-time.

9. Gabby Hartnett - Hartnett was a six time all-star playing most of his career for the Chicago Cubs. Hartnett was calling the pitches for Carl Hubbell in the 1934 All-Star Game when Hubbell set a record by striking out future Hall of Fame members Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin in succession. Gabby was once photographed while signing an autograph for the famous gangster, Al Capone. After the photograph was published, Hartnett received a telegram from Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis instructing him not to have his photograph taken with Capone in the future. Hartnett replied with a telegram back to Landis stating, “That’s fine, but if you don’t want me to have my picture taken with Al Capone, YOU tell him.”

10. Bill Dickey, Elston Howard, Thurman Munson - All great catchers in their own right and all legendary Yankees.

Jun 02, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) adjusts the defense during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

There are a number of talented catchers currently in the major leagues. Two of the top defensive catchers and handlers of their pitching staffs are Yadier Molina and Russell Martin. Other prominent catchers are Carlos Ruiz, Matt Wieters, Carlos Santana, A.J. Pierzynski, and Buster Posey. You also have the old guard represented by Brian McCann, Joe Mauer, and Mike Napoli, though Mauer and Napoli often play 1B or DH these days. Some up and comers to keep your eye on are Jose Montero of the Mariners, A.J. Ellis of the Dodgers, and Devin Mesaraco of the Reds. Wilson Ramos of the Nationals is one of the game’s top prospects, but has had some bad luck early on. He was abducted in Venezuela and rescued after two days in the off season. On May 12, 2012 he tore his ACL against the Reds, ending his season.

All in all, the catcher is the second most important position on the field after the starting pitcher, in my opinion. You must consider that the catcher is involved in the execution of every play, just like the pitcher. But, while starting pitchers are called on to pitch once every five days, catchers start 4-5 games a week. There is no doubt in my mind that catchers have the most grueling, demanding job in baseball.