Three observations ... • How will Joe Nathan be ranked among the best closers of this era? With two saves last week, his career save conversion rate of .8932 was the best of all time, better than Mariano Rivera's.

• Pittsburgh is headed in the right direction, thanks to a pretty solid pitching staff. Hello, Twins front office?

• The one thing I can't let go of after the Roger Clemens trial: His wife admitted to taking HGH, but we're supposed to believe Roger didn't?

... and two predictions • Is there any other choice? Mike Trout is the AL Rookie of the Year and might get MVP votes.

• Joel Peralta won't be the only pitcher caught with pine tar on the mound this season.