Scott Kazmir is back, and he looked like the Kazmir of old in his second start.

Boston Red Sox

He has serviced the Boston Red Sox as a relief pitcher, spot starter, a fifth starter, and even the closer role, yet Julian Tavares was optioned to the minor leagues yesterday. The move comes upon the return of utility man (1B, 3B, OF) Sean Casey from the disabled list. The news around the league is that the Colorado Rockies are interested in Tavares.

Alex Cora continues to play shortstop as starter Julio Lugo nurses yet another injury. Both Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester, two of the most prominent young arms in the Red Sox organization, continue to struggle, as they become “everyday” starting pitchers. Lastly, Tim Wakefield threw knuckleballs for 2.2 innings; unfortunately, the Twins were throwing their knuckles right back, roughing him up for six earned runs in less than three innings. Maybe it is time to call up Bartolo Colon? (Just kidding!)

Los Angeles Angels

Congratulations to Nick Adenhart and his first win in the big leagues. Adenhart pitched 5.2 innings, surrendering four runs and striking out one batter, but it was enough as the team rallied around him. Adenhart has given up 12 earned runs in 18 innings and was promptly congratulated by the organization with a demotion back to the minor leagues.

Adding to good news… Vladimir Guerrero and his 15 games without a home run ended this past weekend. The ball club also received the news that their ace, right-hander John Lackey is set to return in the coming days. With both Chone Figgins being placed on the 15-day disabled list and still no sign of Howie Kendrick and his potential (for injury) in sight, receiving players off the disabled list is exciting for Angels’ fans.

Baltimore Orioles

The Birds of Baltimore are doing what they can to shake things up and get out of the .500 club. The team has elected to swap out clean-up hitter Kevin Millar for Aubrey Huff. To me, this should be a no-brainer! Kevin Millar is a fastball hitter has more affect on clubhouse presence than he does at plate presence.

The positive news is that the emergence of Daniel Cabrera and his ability to control pitches lends itself promise to the club. Cabrera, 3-1 with a 3.54 earned run average has shown that although he still throws a lot of balls (24 base on balls to date), he has also gained some accuracy on his fastball, striking out 34 batters in 53.1 innings. Surprisingly, Jeremy Guthrie, the “ace” of the staff, is 1-3 with a 4.32 earned run average.

With Greg Olsen (2-0, 2.95 ERA) and Matt Albers (2-1, 2.39 ERA) in the bullpen and Greg Sherrill locking things up with the closer role (13 saves in 15 opportunities), the starting pitching is going to be the key to this team turning a corner in 2008.

Detroit Tigers

Can we start to liken the Tigers to the ball teams in New York? High priced payroll, limited production to date? With a 16-22 record and sitting dead last in the A.L. Central, it appears that the team is past the excuses of “early season jitters,” “strain of expectations,” and “cold weather affect,” and they have hit the panic button.

The team has the worst earned run average in baseball and shows no signs of stopping. Justin Verlander has been absolutely awful and there is not one league that I am in where he is not on the “trade block”. Dontrelle Willis was blown up his most recent minor league start (five earned runs), and their combined top three in the rotation (Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers) have walked 71 batters in 137 innings (.5 per inning).

With an aging Todd Jones as the closer and Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney on the disabled list with no return in sight, the best thing in the bullpen is Aquilino Lopez. Lopez is pitching well below his career averages. He currently has an earned run average of 2.01 with a 2-0 record and 16 strikeouts in 22.1 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays

I am a diehard Red Sox fan but have to admit, going into this season, I named two of my six fantasy team names after the Tampa Bay Rays. Face it – they are an exciting team.

There are so many young arms in the organization that lends promise to the future. Scott Kazmir has rebounded from early season injury, going 1-1 with a 2.70 earned run average all while striking out 11 batters in 10 innings. Andy Sonnanstine continues to make a case to stick around, posting a 5-1 record with 26 strikeouts, one complete game, and one shutout. James Shields continues to show improvements, going 4-2 with a 3.14 earned run average, 39 strikeouts, two complete games, and two shutouts. Watching Shields silence the Boston bats was excruciating as Sox fan but utterly impressive as a secret Ray fan.

Add in the savvy veteran, Troy Percival, closing the door with nine saves, 13 strikeouts, and an earned run average of 1.93 in 14 innings gives the ball club confidence that they are handing over the reigns to someone who can “close” the deal. Additionally, two relievers, veteran Travis Miller (11 strikeouts in 11 innings) and J.P. Howell (2-9, 2.88 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 25 innings) and you have a strong enough pen to keep their opponents on their heals on any given day.

Carl Crawford is finally healthy and subsequently, finally living up to expectations as a team leader. With a batting average of .320, the return of some pop in the bat (three triples, three home runs), the increase in steals, up to 12 to date, and the statistics where it matters most, 30 runs and 23 runs batted in, Crawford is finally growing into a leadership role.

The emergence of B.J. Upton, who is continuing where he left off in 2007, has been a great addition to this young and maturing team. Upton has 23 runs, 25 runs batted in, three home runs of his own, and seven stolen bases to go with his .387 batting average. These two, together, in the same line-up, will be trouble for any major league pitcher.

The most interesting player on the Rays has to be this years’ “Carlos Pena.” Eric Hinske has come out of the gates with something to prove after years of utility roles since his Rookie of the Year Award. To date, Hinske has knocked in 17 runners, crossed the plate 27 times himself, and he is second on the team with seven home runs (Pena has eight). To add to these statistics, Hinske has also stolen three bases and maintained a healthy .361 batting average.

What exactly are they doing down there that is allowing players like Pena and Hinske to blossom? Maybe it is the Florida weather, after all, is not the Florida Marlins also fairing better than anyone expected?