DE Assistant Sports Editor

With spring right around the corner, so is the 1996 Major League Baseball season and, like every year, changes adorn the sport some good, some bad but none quite as disappointing as last years woes.

In hopes of emerging from the doghouse, the 1996 season appears to be shaping up into one of the better one’s in recent years. The main reason being that the players and owners have decided to put aside their differences, for the time being, and concentrate on putting America’s favorite pastime back into the hearts of fans.

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With the tarp barley off the infields from Mesa, Ariz. to Sarasota, Fla., players and fans alike have already have been greeted with a wealth of baseball dispatch.

Retirements, passings, beefed-up rosters and the return of legends have all accompanied the arrival of this years season, which thankfully, is right on schedule.

The retirements:Deion Sanders has became the latest player to leave the diamond, opting to spend more time with his family in Texas. Undecided about his future in baseball, Sanders left to return to his humble abode outside of Dallas following a mediocre 95 season in order to concentrate on his role with the Cowboys. Hampered with injury, Sander’s retirement should come as no surprise, but, in all probability, he’ll be back.

On Feb. 8th, Dave Winfield announced his retirement after 22-years in the Majors. Prior to retirement, Winfield was the Major League’s leading leader in hits and RBI’s among active players. At 44, Winfield could still hit the long ball. However, Winfield bowed out gracefully with his all too familiar grin, and will not return to the diamond.

Look out heaven, here comes Charley. Charley Finley, the long-time theatrical owner of the Oakland Athletics, passed away Monday at the age of 77. Known for his outrageous stunts, Finley once had chocolate milk and cookies sent to umpires after the 5th inning, and on a more serious side was responsible for sending the A’s to three consecutive World Championships in the 70s. Finley also convinced Major League Baseball officials of the importance of the designated hitter and the World Series night game. Where would baseball be without Charley.

Talk about beefing up:The St. Louis Cardinals may be the team to watch out for in the National League this season. With the return of Ray Lankford and Brian Jordan, plus the addition of Royce Clayton and the Eck, the Cardinals have mounted a formidable roster, and a force to be reckoned with.

Oh, lets not forget a starting rotation worthy of applause from the Atlanta Braves.

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What’s up Doc:Dwight Doc Gooden, once know as Dr. K, is attempting to offset years of drug and alcohol abuse with a comeback with the Yankees. Gooden appears to be well in control of his once golden arm and blazing 90 mph fast ball. However, the only question is, does he have control over his vices?

The year of the Cubs. Hoping not to be eliminated from the playoffs by the end of Spring Training, the Cubs hope to recapture some of last year’s late season magic and put the gleam back in the eyes of the Bleacher Bums.

Aching to return to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, Ryno announce earlier in the year his return to the Cub’s organization and attempt to bring a winning season to the Windy City.

Memories of last year’s disappointing season may remain in the minds of many fans. However, the promise of a new and exciting season may ease the burden of those harsh memories somewhat because, after all, baseball is back.