The start of Spring training in Florida and Arizona has been the talk around water coolers lately. One thing likely going unnoticed is the new Caps certain MLB team will be wearing this season. Not a lot of changes, but some interesting and noteworthy additions have been made.

First off, I am pleased to mention to you again that the Toronto Blue Jays will go retro at home inside the Rogers Centre on Friday nights this year. I feel that this new lid is unique and unmeasurable when it comes to retro caps. This cap is so nice, I have even spotted a few people around town sporting it. Heck, Sportable’s own staff writer Rich purchased his in January.

The Oakland Athletics have added yet another alternate cap to their locker this year, going with a more bold look (above). The cap is a mirror image of the other alternate hat, however, this new one has a white “A’s” with a yellow outline. I like the addition here by the A’s, but I think they should try to switch the design up a bit as they now have four hats that are all the same.

Staying in the American League, the Indians have decided to turn back the clocks this year. On Saturday June 14, the Indians will host the Padres at Progressive Field sporting this new cap and jersey to celebrate the 1970s . You have to love this plain “C”. It’s sharp and crisp to say the least. Not fancy or glamorous by any means but when it comes to sporting a clean image, this hat will do the trick.

Since the Devil Rays became the “Rays”, Tampa Bay decided to axe its look completely and go with something totally new. That changed resulted in new jerseys and a new hat. Kevin from the Sportable staff just received his new Rays hat in the mail and this is what he had to say about it: “I needed a new blue hat and I was lucky enough to stumble upon this one.”

Finally the last change on the hat rack for the 2008 season comes from Philadelphia. The Phillies will sport this new lid on certain occasions with this new alternate throwback jersey. I am a big fan of the red and blue mix that the Phillies are adapting again this year. I’m getting sick and tired of seeing the same old red and white look that has adorned the team for many years now.

All in all, I am really pleased with all of the additions this year. And if you have not had the chance to purchase one of the new 59-50 hats yet, you are missing out. NewEra created the light weight cap to not only help out with player performance, but feel more comfortable than the previous hat. Be sure to pick up your favorite team’s lid. The new season is just weeks away!

Over the years, the Jordan brand has turned into something unthinkable. What started as a shoe designed for an athlete has become mythical in the shoe world. Recently, the Air Jordan XX3’s were released in what could be the final chapter of the most outstanding and unique shoe in the world.

Jordan has decided to release three different color schemes, each with its own look. The design on the image to your right is an argyle one, possibly influenced by the argyle jerseys of North Carolina, although that has not been confirmed.

Recently, the boys from Chapel Hill have worn the second design while playing at the Dean Dome. The type of pattern used on the midsole is similar to the argyle design from the first shoe. A limited edition of these shoes were released to the public in stores only.

The third shoe is white with yet another unique design. The pattern on this shoe consists of tiny M’s, symbolizing Michael. Together, the M’s form a nice blanket on the shoe to give it its final touch.

Jordan wouldn’t release a shoe without some hidden gems to it. If you look closely, the right tongue on the shoe has the Jumpman logo, whereas the left shoe’s tongue has the number 23. If you flip the sneakers over, Jordan’s thumbprint is the bottom sole of the shoe. Pretty crazy! And to top everything off, the Great One’s signature is embossed at the toe cap.

It’s simply unbelievable how His Airness can come out with shoe after shoe, year after year. This shoe is just another example the brand’s style and creativity. Its stylish look helps form one of the finest shoes in the entire Jordan collection.

Ryan’s Jersey Not to Buy: Zach Randolph. Not only does he have nine blocks all season, but Z-Bo has been the fat, lazy cancer that Blazers fans knew and hated all along. His recent gaffe against the Raptors was a perfect way of summing up the New York Knicks.

Sonny’s Jersey Not to Buy: Scott Spiezio. The veteran infielder was released by the Cardinals yesterday after police filed a six-count warrant for his arrest. Not like Spiezio was even going to suit up for the Cardinals anyway… wait, I take that back. Have you seen what the Cardinals are putting together for a roster this upcoming season?

Ryan’s Jersey to Buy: Pau Gasol. Since Gasol came over to the Lakers for Kwame Brown(!), the Lakers have lost once. He’s been the consistent 2nd scorer that the Lakers desperately needed. Not only has he played well, but his presence has also made Lamar Odom more comfortable in a lesser role.

Sonny’s Jersey to Buy: Muhshin Muhammad. Finally some good news! Muhammad is going back to the Panthers. I loved “Moose” when he was tearing it up with Rodney Peete. Now he gets to roll in style with Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith. That right there is life after Grossman and Berrian.

Ryan’s Jersey Not to Buy: Shaquille O’Neal. I’m a huge Shaq fan, but this move makes little sense for the Suns. Shaq is 36 years old and is battling all sorts of ailments this season. How is he going to be able to adapt to the Suns’ fast-paced offense? This move reeks of desperation for Phoenix, and I don’t think it makes them any better.

Sonny’s Jersey Not to Buy: Junior Seau. I’ve noticed that if people are feeling sorry for the Patriots, the sympathy has been directed towards Junior Seau. I couldn’t care less. Seau got what was coming to him. He slapped the Chargers in the face by “graduating” and now he is left without a ring.

Ryan’s Jersey to Buy: Brandon Roy. The Blazers continue to be one of the big surprise teams in the league and it’s largely because of Roy’s efforts. The 2nd year player is averaging almost 20 points a game to go with nearly six assists and five rebounds. Roy will appear in his first All Star Game next weekend in New Orleans.

Sonny’s Jersey to Buy: Michael Strahan. A perfect ending to a giant season for Michael Strahan. The defensive end can now retire with ease and look forward to the next stage in his life. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to buy this Super Bowl edition to last you a lifetime.