This season’s MLB American League is tipped to be extremely competitive, and this is seen in the fact that there are three teams with very closely comparable odds at the top of the pre-season rankings. Clearly the LA Angels, the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays are all considered to be serious bets for the pennant – you can get odds as low as 4/1 on all of them at several sports betting sites – but there are still other teams in the running for the final.

From the East Division of the AL, we of course don’t want to rule the Yankees out of the running, although they are behind the favorites on account of an aging team and a couple of potentially damaging suspensions, while the Red Sox are expected to produce far better form than they displayed last season. From the West Division, the Rangers are one of the few sides that could reasonably challenge the Angels for this title, and they certainly cannot be ruled out of contention for the pennant – which is reflected in the odds of 7/1 that you can get on them to win it.

Any of these teams, alongside the top three, has a real shot at winning the American League this season, making betting on the winner in this early stage, a daunting proposition. For those who decides to wait and see how things develop once the season gets proper going, playing the baseball slots game Hot Shot at Lucky Nugget, could provide a fine way to mix betting with baseball. This slots game takes the baseball idea seriously, featuring fine graphics of pitchers, catchers’ gloves, hitters, and a baseball field, and sound effects of bat striking ball and cheering crowds. These audio effects really add to the experience, and with Hot Shot offering a wild symbol – which can stand in for other missing symbols to make a winning reel – and nine pay lines, you really have a good chance of winning some money by playing.

When the NBA's Charlotte affiliate decided it will go back to being called the Hornets, bobcat enthusiast Zack Zooman came up with an interesting idea. Zach wants the storied New York Yankees to change their name; to the New York Bobcats.

"Nothing on the planet is more powerful and awe-inspiring than the fearsome bobcat or Lynx-Rufus. It’s a shame that this magnificent creature not be represented in the sports world and what better way to show respect than to drop the boring old Yankees name and change it to something new!"

We tried explaining that the Yankees are the most popular team in the entire world but he didn't seem to care.

"What exactly is a Yankee anyway? It’s an offensive term for a northerner that's what. The bobcat knows no insults. It’s a universally excepted and revered creature. I even named my housecat Robert."

While we're doubtful the Yankees will change their name, Zach had some hats made up just in case.

Preston Jay Jay is a huge Reid Brignac fan. He has been watching him stink up other teams for years.

"The guy can't do anything right. That is why I like him. He reminds me of me." said Preston Jay Jay a used typewriter collector

Preston failed out of school at the age of nine, doesn't believe in numbers and isn't a big fan of Girl Scout cookies.

"I'm just not. Used to like the coconut ones, but am over them now. I still like to be a failure though. I'm just good at it." he added

Reid Brignac has been filling in for injured Eduardo Nunez, who was filling in for injured Derek Jeter. The Yankees are trying to catch lightning in a bottle with Brignac, but would settle for a night light to keep them a float.

"Brignac aint any lightning bolt. He just blows. He is my favorite player though." he added.

When will Jeter get back? Who knows

After viewing this picture, we can only assume that a lady somewhere may or may not be surprised about the Yankees losing last night's game.

A person explains:

"Judging by the outcome of the game last night, it is only fair to assume on some level that someone out there in the universe is surprised. Could it be a lady? It certainly could be." said Doug Pitts of Upstate NY. "Now don't get me wrong, I am a complete moron, so things I saw could be foolish."

So, could a lady be surprised about last night's outcome? It certainly appears that way according to Doug Pitts. You would think by the nature of this article that we had nothing to write about, but you are wrong. We do have something to write about and it is a story of a lady who may or may not be surprised at last night's game. She doesn't want to be thrown into the spotlight. In fact, we don't have any evidence that a lady is surprised at all, but we do know she could be.

As always, we will keep you posted as we develop this story.

After finding out Redskins QB Robert Griffin III received gifts from his wedding registry purchased by fans, college senior Peng Wong Chang VIII has come up with a similar brilliant scheme.

"I've registered for several gifts and I'd also like my fans to buy them for me."

We asked the senior what fans he has.

"Um...try 806 followers on Twitter. I think I have alot more cred than Robert Griffin. By the way, I refuse to add "the third" to his name. I've never known any other Robert Griffin. I come from a long line of Changs."

So what gifts are you asking for?

"New car. Something like a Ferrari or BMW. Nothing cheap. I would also like a condo. I prefer three bedrooms, but will settle for two. I'm not greedy. Or some chics. Hot ones."

At that moment, Peng's mother came into the room and demanded he take the trash out, ending the interview. He asked us to take the gift list, so if anyone would like to get him something, please contact us asap.

If you notice in the back ground, the Yankees are advertising in Camden Yards. Are the Orioles hard up for cash or is it just that Baltimore has more Yankees fans than Oriole fans?

We chatted with one guy from the Bronx who made the trip out for tonight's game.

"I will punch anyone in the mouth who has a problem with the Yankees." said Biff Steven's

So Biff, why did you travel out to Baltimore?

"I was a bully in school growing up and have become a complete nobody as a 30 something. I decided that since I was so good at bullying kids in school, I should stick to that. That is why I came here and that is exactly what I plan on doing to Orioles fans. Freaking jerks!"

So you came just to harass people?

"Hold on a sec. That O's fan is starring at me. Oh boy, he is gonna get a knuckle sandwich. COME HERE YOU!"

And with that, our interview was over. Yankees pull out a come from behind win.New York Yankees Tickets

Trailing the Yankees by 4 games in the AL East, Baltimore can make up some ground with a strong showing in the next few days.

Orioles fan Andy Treemont is ready.

"Everyone knows the color of fear is Orange. Orioles represent orange and instilling fear in the Yankees stupid faces."

The Orioles are currently on a 5 game losing streak after getting swept by Tampa.

"We let them win." Treemont continued. "It was all part of the plan for a...sneak attack...shhhh"

Sabathia will face Freddy Garcia in the opener.

1951 was quite a pivotal year in Yankees history. Joe D. had already told management that this would be his last year, the bone spurs in his foot making it difficult to run anymore. Also, his arm was all but gone by then, testified to me by my dad, a lifelong DiMaggio fan! And Whitey Ford, the rookie sensation in 1950, was now off to the Army. (To get a true parallel, picture Andy Pettitte having been completely unavailable in 1997 after his great 1996 rookie campaign.)

Boston (as always) fought us tooth and nail, but this year, they finished third. It was Cleveland (1948 World Champs) that finished second to these Yankees.

Coming off 1950, in which Rizzuto was league MVP with 200 hits, Yogi Berra was 3rd for the MVP with his team leading 124 RBI, and Joe D. had 32 HR and 122 RBI, considering the 1951 final stats showed Phil with 50 less hits, Yogi with only 88 RBI, and Joe D. with only 77 RBI, you can imagine the "smoke & mirrors" reference more easily.

But Rookie of the Year Gil McDougald hit .306, rookie Mickey Mantle was already hitting homers that scared the living spit out of pitchers, and batting leadoff often, he would induce all kinds of mayhem between infielders, just to get or keep him off base! Then there was veteran Allie Reynolds who "only" finished third on his own team in wins, but he also saved 7 others which led the team.

Add to that, Veterans Raschi and Lopat each won 21, and when the smoke cleared on the final day of the season, Allie Reynolds threw his second no-hitter in 70 days as he closed out the season, blanking the Red Sox. (This was the famously recounted game in which Ted Williams hit what should have been the game ending foul out to Yogi, except that he dropped it! But Williams pop fouled the next swing to virtually the exact same spot and this time, Yogi secured it for the no-hitter!)

Bronx Goblin is set to release our summer 2013 instant collector’s items, the Goblin Pail Kids. We will release one new player a week and guarantee they will become priceless collector’s items. Print them off and in 100 years we promise they will be worth millions!!!