1) Ken Rosenthal offered his predictions for all 30 teams in baseball. His prediction for the Yankees? Third place. His reasoning: “As with the Red Sox, plenty of potential for age - and injury-related issues - and that’s assuming A-Rod returns at 100 percent.” For the Red Sox, he said, “Too many physical questions to merit a full endorsement, but the depth of the pitching staff should ensure at least a wild card.” How ’bout the Rays? “A lot went right last season, but not everything. The offense should be better, the defense remains outstanding and the pitching is deep and strong. For virtually every problem that may arise, the Rays have an answer.”

2) One of the big acquisitions this weekend was the signing of Gary Sheffield by the Mets. One homer shy of 500, Sheffield had been struggling with Tigers. His ‘tude was also a problem. But the Mets are confident; ”What this does for us, it really creates some depth in the team,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “I believe that in the course of 162 regular-season games, depth is the one thing that is normally overlooked.”

3) Joel Sherman of the Post had a very interesting article about the new Yankee Stadium. His first paragraph read like this: It is beautiful, of course. But in the way that a woman who went to the world’s best plastic surgeon might be beautiful. It is supposed to remind you of the previous incarnation, and ends up feeling artificial and overdone. I think it’s safe to say that the new ballpark contains a lot of pro’s and a lot of con’s. Which one outweighs the other? Sherman says it’s the cons, and I think a lot of fans are on his side. Sure, the place is majestic - almost like a palace - but at the same time everything is overpriced and artificial. Right now, I’m not a huge proponent of the new Stadium, but I think once the games start to be played, Yankee fans will come around to it. It may take awhile, but it will be our home eventually.

4) Ross Gload wondered if he was the victim of an April Fool’s joke when told Wednesday that he had been traded. It was no joke, and Gload joined the Marlins on Thursday after flying all night from Arizona. ”It’s a heart-racing experience when they tell you you’ve been traded,” Gload said. “This is the time of the year when you try to get on the field as quickly as you can so you don’t get the [pink] slip.” Gload, obtained from the Kansas City Royals, will provide the Marlins a needed left-handed bat off the bench.

5) In 2006, we had the Tigers. In 2007, the Rockies. In 2008, the Rays. Who will be this year’s surprise team? I think it very well may be the Athletics, who upgraded their offense and have some young pitching in their rotation. Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi, and Orlando Cabrera will form a solid core in the lineup, and all have different strengths. Holliday will hit for a great average, Giambi will hit for power and get on base, and Cabrera brings speed and defense. If the pitching comes through, expect to see the A’s make a push for a playoff spot.

Who’s Hot: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Cody Ransom, Robinson Cano

Who’s Not: Chien-Ming Wang, Johnny Damon

Quote of the Week: “I got lost two days in a row. I don’t want that to happen on opening day.” — Mark Teixeira, on his commute from Connecticut to Yankee Stadium.

Link of the Week: Click here