The greatest news is that a tyrant with no respect for humanity has experienced justice. Silenced forever, our world is a safer place.

We can also rejoice at the fact that we can watch the sports that we love and root for our favorite teams in total freedom.

It was a great week in the world of baseball.

Last night at Chase Field I had a chance to meet and talk with Darwin Barney, the subject of my profile last week. He read my article and he appreciated the thoughts. He said he was concerned about staying with the big club. Being sent out is on his mind. I don't think it'll happen. He's too good a player on a team that needs his energy.

I think the Tigers have to be very concerned about Joaquin Benoit, their mega MM dollar reliever. He's coughed up a couple leads recently and I'm sure manager Jim Leyland is wondering what's going on. However, Al Albuquerque has stepped up and done a great job for Detroit. I picked him up this morning in a league that counts "holds."

I wonder if any club will pick up Kevin Millwood now that he has exercised his option to leave the Yankees? I think there are probably some clubs that could use another starting pitcher. How about the Twins?

Speaking of the Twins, what's going on there? It isn't just injuries. Carl Pavano has been getting shelled and the offense is dormant.
How long until the Twins and the White Sox wake up?

Are the Indians for real? I'm asked that a lot. They aren't this good and they aren't as bad as we thought. They are much improved because their throwing strikes and getting timely hits. If that continues, they could contend in the Central. Staying healthy will be an issue. A relaxed Matt LaPorta will help as well.

Starlin Castro is a wonderful contact hitter. The ball just makes that special sound when it comes off his bat. He does get a little lazy in the infield at times and it could be a concern. And Carlos Pena has picked up right where he left off for Tampa Bay. Cold as ice. The Cubs have some real issues.

The Brewers get Zack Greinke back this week. The Tigers welcome back Victor Martinez. Both will be welcome additions to their respective clubs.

I'm still very bullish on Brandon Beachy. He's pitching in some hard luck, but he's a pitcher. No doubt in my mind. But where's the Atlanta offense? While Freddie Freeman is an outstanding 1B, I'm still concerned about his offense. But then again, I was two years ago as well. It takes quite a bit of time for a prospect to adjust to major league pitching. In time, he'll really improve.

What do you make of the slow start for HanRam? Manager Edwin Rodriguez is concerned about his high leg kick at the plate.
I agree, but he's been doing that for years. Maybe his bat isn't as fast anymore. I'm just wondering.

Roy Oswalt remains very concerned about his family in the wake of the tornado damage in the south. When I saw him pitch in Phoenix he was far from his norm. The family issues weigh heavily on his mind.

I'm just sick about Pablo Sandoval getting hurt. It's a shame when any athlete misses time to injury, but Sandoval has worked so hard to get into playing shape and he was off to a great start.

I'm tired of watching Justin Upton throw his helmet after he strikes out. It's wrong! I always thought a player could be fined for that. He does it almost every time. It's worse on a called third strike.

Speaking of Upton-he's hit some moon shots at Chase Field. Well over 450 feet. This week, Alfonso Soriano hit the batter's eye in center. Now that's a shot.

What would Oakland be like if they had any hitting? I'm just askin. Wow can they pitch.

Stephen Drew is very, very under rated as a defensive shortstop. He makes some very difficult plays look very easy. And now he's hitting cleanup in the lineup.

After declaring that Juan Miranda would get the "majority of playing time" at 1B for Arizona, the lefty hitter has found himself on the bench most of the time. Can't improve by not playing. It's a shame.

I'll get to see the Rockies for 3 games starting tomorrow night. Think of how good they'll be when Cargo starts to hit. That's a very balanced ball club.

It's so great to see the Royals winning games.

My article this week on RotoWire will be about San Diego Padres prospect Anthony Rizzo. I hope you'll stop by mid-week and give it a read.

Follow me on twitter @BerniePleskoff. Have a great week. And celebrate a great time for America!