Popular! You're Gonna Be Popular!

In a recent Gallup poll conducted in the Dominican Republic, David Ortiz (link in Spanish) was named the most admirable Dominican player in the majors. He narrowly edged out both Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols. And even though he hasn't played in a year, Petey came in fourth. Manny rounded out the top five.

While the results of the poll are questionable (there is nothing, in any way, admirable about Alex Rodriguez), David has a good heart. It's nice thing to be recognized for.

'Cause You Don't Know What Cesar Chavez Looks Like.

If you happen to be down in Albuquerque this summer, John Valentin has been brought in as the Isotopes--the Dodgers' AAA affiliate--new hitting coach. It's a role he filled last season with their AA affiliate in Chattanooga. Good luck to him.

Holy Smoke.

Peter Abraham has the Sox signing Carl Crawford to a 7 year, $142 million deal. I am stunned. I suppose that if I think about it some more, I might come to like the deal but right now I'm going back to my alien-infestation theory. They've gotten hold of Theo and are making him do un-Theo like things.

Sayonara Okajima-San.

The Sox have chosen to not extend Hideki Okajima a contract for next season. Oki seemed like a good guy but, with all the talk of loneliness and annoyance at not being a free agent after last season, a little unhappy. Still, whether he liked us or not, he was spectacular in 2007 and I hope that he lands somewhere good.

Our Fearful Trip is Still Not Quite Done.

Word on the street is that Jason Varitek will be back in Boston next season. I can't hate the move; in a time of transition (with Farrell leaving) he provides a bit of stability and if you never ever, ever allow him to hit lefty, he's not that terrible. Welcome back.

Palm Trees and Sunshine.

The Spring Training schedule for next spring was released yesterday. The important dates: Truck Day is February 8 and Pitchers and Catchers is February 13. Also, the St. Patrick's Day game is against Los Mets. It will be here soon, or at least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

Man in Black.

(Getty Images)

I'm not a country music fan. Other than having heard their names in passing or in relation to celebrity gossip, I generally couldn't pick country singers out of lineup or identify them through their songs. I recognize it as a failing of my pop culture knowledge. What I am fairly certain of, however, is that Josh Beckett is not moonlighting as a country musician. So what he was doing apparently on stage at last night's CMT Artists of the Year Awards remains a mystery. But who could resist a psychotic looking kitten? The telecast of the event will be on Friday night for the actually curious.

Other Kitten photos (all from Getty):