Notes from around the web while I wait for the Red Sox season projection to drop from 162-0 to 81-81:

Of course, the Vargas release is the news of the day. Here's some reads on it:

MLB Trade Rumors still thinks he can help someone as a #4 starter.
Babes Love Baseball has a pretty good understanding of the situation leading up to the release.
The Yost Infection has Claudio's reaction. Hilarious.

Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci has his season predictions up. He gets it wrong.

I'm glad we've gotten to see more Alcides Escobar in camp, but I'm also glad Hardy will be ready for opening day.

I also enjoy Rickie Weeks' leaping ability.

Baseball Analysts thinks the Brewers will exceed 85 wins.

Alphabetical injury reports in one line or less:

J.D. Drew missed both games in Japan with a sore back from the long plane flight.
Kelvim Escobar has suffered a setback in his rehab and has been shut down.
Nationals 1B Nick Johnson shaved a lightning bolt into his head.
Jerry Owens has missed most of White Sox camp, and now heads to the DL with a slight tear of his right abductor muscle.
Aaron Rowand left yesterday's game after being hit in the shin with a pitch, but he'll be ok.

Sure, the 2008 Royals are improved, but could they really compete in the NL Central? One scout told Sam Mellinger they could.

Speaking of surprise contenders, Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke is working on a script for a nearly unimaginable improbability: The Pittsburgh Pirates - 2008 NL Central Champions.

I'm still surprised the Cardinals didn't want Dave Bush or Claudio Vargas. Yesterday, they placed 6 pitchers on the DL.

The Cubs have signed former Blue Jay Reed Johnson to be their 4th outfielder. This does make them better. Still not inevitable division champs.

Recondite Baseball has a list of the best players never to make an All-Star team. Jose Valentin is the only former Brewer on the list. Still, an interesting list.

Statistically Speaking does a really nice job of summing up why John Kruk makes Baseball Tonight unwatchable. I've taken to watching it on DVR so I can fast-forward past him.

That's all for today. Drink up.