A Splash of Summer Sunshine

Entering our first work week of the new year, with much of North America grey, damp and chilly, this image should stir up all the joys of summer.

And as soon as we pass the holiday season, we can really start counting the days until pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona.

Unlike last year, we've already had big free agent signings and a few interesting trades. Now, we're five weeks -- give or take a day -- from spring training. The days will oh-so-slowly get longer. And we'll begin to dream. Dream about home runs and strikeouts and pennant races. New faces and old favorites.

Baseball never goes away.

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