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Toronto Blue Jays: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
For the first time since 1993, when Joe Carter‘s dramatic home run off Phillies closer Mitch Williams clinched a World Series title, Toronto Blue Jays fans feel confident about their team’s chances to play deep into October. Their... More of this article »
St. Louis Cardinals: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
In 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals played much of the season without frontline starter Chris Carpenter. It appears the club will be without the veteran right-hander for most if not all of the 2013 campaign because of thoracic outlet... More of this article »
Oakland A’s: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
On the last day of the 2012 regular season, the Oakland A’s accomplished the improbable. They completed a season-ending series sweep of the Texas Rangers, overtaking the defending American League champions to capture the American... More of this article »
Pittsburgh Pirates: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
After completing 2012 with a disappointing 79-83 record, the Pittsburgh Pirates have not finished .500 or better for 20 consecutive seasons. They hope that string of futility will end this year, and pitching could be a reason why. The... More of this article »
Philadelphia Phillies: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Expectations were understandably high for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012. After all, when you have a lineup that includes Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz along with a rotation anchored by Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole... More of this article »
New York Yankees: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
The New York Yankees did not reach the playoffs in 2008, the last season they played at old Yankee Stadium. That was a surprise, though, because they were projected to secure a post-season berth before the campaign started. With an... More of this article »
New York Mets: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Fresh off a 74-88 season in 2012, the New York Mets are in rebuilding mode, and in 2013 they could match or exceed last year’s loss total. Still, there is reason for optimism in Queens because of some bright young players. Third... More of this article »
Minnesota Twins: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Once praised as a small market team who still thrived as a perennial contender, the Minnesota Twins lost 99 games and 2011 and 96 last season. A lack of effective starting pitching weakened the club during those campaigns, and in... More of this article »
Milwaukee Brewers: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Upon trading ace Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels last summer, the Milwaukee Brewers seemed content about building for the future. What happened was a late season push that almost propelled them into the wild card game. Entering... More of this article »
Miami Marlins: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Unlike last February, when south Florida was brimming with excitement over the debut of a new stadium and a roster stocked with standout acquisitions like Jose Reyes, Matt Buehrle and Heath Bell, expectations are low for the Miami... More of this article »
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Since the arrival of their new ownership group arrived, the Los Angeles Dodgers have developed the reputation as the New York Yankees of the National League, minus a World Series title. The club made several shocking moves last season... More of this article »
Los Angeles Angels: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Upon signing first baseman Albert Pujols and left-hander C.J. Wilson after the 2011 season, the Los Angeles Angels were the popular choice to claim a World Series title last October. Instead, they didn’t reach the playoffs. This... More of this article »
Kansas City Royals: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
For the first time in a decade, the Kansas City Royals have a chance to emerge as legitimate contenders in the American League Central. Starting pitching is the main reason. This offseason, the club traded for Ervin Santana , signed... More of this article »
Houston Astros: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Last season, the Houston Astros lost 107 games and finished in the National League basement. This year, they will likely top 100 losses again, especially since they are making their American League West debut. Yet many patient Astros... More of this article »
Detroit Tigers: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
The defending American League champion Detroit Tigers are stronger than they were last season – at least on paper. The club added veteran Torii Hunter in right field, and DH Victor Martinez returns after missing all of 2012... More of this article »
Colorado Rockies: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
For a club that lost 98 games last season, the Colorado Rockies sure do have a talented core. After recently signing center fielder Dexter Fowler to a two-year deal – likely ending trade talk that surrounded him this offseason... More of this article »
Cleveland Indians: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
It has been an offseason of significant change for the Cleveland Indians. Terry Francona, who led the Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles before he was dismissed after the 2011 campaign, replaced the fired Manny Acta as manager. Right... More of this article »
Cincinnati Reds: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Optimism was high last October in southwest Ohio after the Cincinnati Reds finished the regular season with 97 wins and a National League Central title. It appeared the club was headed to the NLCS after taking the first two NLDS games... More of this article »
Chicago White Sox: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
In Robin Ventura‘s first season as a manager at any level, the Chicago White Sox were surprising contenders in the American League Central, finishing 85-77 and just three games behind the eventual American League champion Detroit... More of this article »
Chicago Cubs: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Who are the Chicago Cubs? Are they a club building for the long-term future by developing a deep farm system, or are they making a serious effort to contend in 2013 and 2014? Both answers could be correct. President Theo Epstein... More of this article »
Boston Red Sox: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
A season seemingly could not unfold worse than it did for the Boston Red Sox in 2012. Starting with spring training, new manager Bobby Valentine created tension with his coaches and players. The dysfunction grew larger like a cartoon... More of this article »
Arizona Diamondbacks: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
After an active offseason that has seen them trade outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young, third baseman Chris Johnson and highly regarded starting pitching prospect Trevor Bauer, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a new look heading... More of this article »
Baltimore Orioles: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
A season removed from winning 93 games and capturing their first playoff berth since 1997, the Baltimore Orioles made few changes to their 2012 roster heading into spring training. Considering that the Orioles were 29-9 in one-run... More of this article »
Atlanta Braves: 2013 Spring Training Preview Guide
Spring training is a time of optimism for players, managers, coaches and fans of all 30 Major League teams, but it would be difficult to find a club with higher hopes and more magical visions about October than the Atlanta Braves. Even... More of this article »
Boston Red Sox Should Trade Jarrod Saltalamacchia to Mariners
With the official signing of Mike Napoli last Monday, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington’s off-season task list is almost finished, but there is another glaring need that must be filled before opening day. The 25-man roster... More of this article »
Starting Pitching: More MLB Teams Embracing Small Market Model
Regarding the subject of signing free agent starting pitchers, it is “buyer beware” for Major League teams. It is rare that a club gets what it pays for. Ask the San Francisco Giants, who signed Barry Zito to a seven-year,... More of this article »
Boston Red Sox: Ben Cherington Committed to His Plan
Boston Red Sox fans who prefer the commitment to developing homegrown players instead of opening the vault to high-priced free agents embrace the team’s new strategy this offseason. Ben Cherington, who is Boston’s executive... More of this article »
Justin Upton: Braves and Diamondbacks Trade Analysis
Now that the long-speculated trade of Justin Upton is complete (pending physicals), the landscape of the National League East and the National League West has changed. The Atlanta Braves acquired Upton, a 25-year-old outfielder, along... More of this article »
St. Louis Cardinals: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
St. Louis Cardinals general Manager John Mozeliak emphasizes the importance of developing players internally to remain an annual contender. In recent seasons, homegrown talent has propelled the Cardinals – first to a World Series... More of this article »
Washington Nationals: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Even after last offseason’s trade that sent catcher Derek Norris, and pitchers Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock and A.J. Cole to Oakland for left-hander Gio Gonzalez, the Washington Nationals farm system remained well-stocked, and... More of this article »
Toronto Blue Jays: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Entering the current offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays boasted one of the top farm system in the majors. With spring training drawing near, Toronto’s list of top prospects has dramatically changed after the organization implemented... More of this article »
Texas Rangers: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
After back-to-back American League pennants, the Texas Rangers saw an early exit from the AL playoffs last October. This season, the club will have a different look without outfielder Josh Hamilton and catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli,... More of this article »
San Francisco Giants: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Winners of two of the last three World Series, the San Francisco Giants boast an array of core players developed in their farm system. Starting pitchers Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Lincecum as well as catcher Buster Posey,... More of this article »
Seattle Mariners: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
For the first time in several seasons, Seattle Mariners fans can embrace the upcoming season with excitement for the year ahead and the long-term future. The club has one of the game’s few elite starters in Felix Hernandez; it... More of this article »
San Diego Padres: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Could it be that the San Diego Padres‘ penny-pinching ways are now part of the past? Though they are not likely to even remotely resemble the current version of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres do have a new ownership group,... More of this article »
Oakland A’s: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Paced by homegrown arms like Jarrod Parker, Tommy Milone and A.J. Griffin, the Oakland A’s were one of baseball’s most pleasant surprises in 2012, winning 94 games and overtaking the Texas Rangers to capture the American... More of this article »
Tampa Bay Rays: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Ignited by the game’s top pitching staff, the Tampa Bay Rays were in contention to earn their fourth playoff appearance in five years last season. The reason they fell short was an anemic lineup that struggled to score runs.... More of this article »
Philadelphia Phillies: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Before 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies often shipped top prospects elsewhere to get impact players, like when they traded infielder Jonathan Villar and outfielder Anthony Gose to Houston for Roy Oswalt in 2010, and first baseman Jonathan... More of this article »
Pittsburgh Pirates: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Headlined by Gerrit Cole, who was ranked No. 5 on the Baseball News Source Top 10 Prospects List for 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ farm system that is envied by many Major League Baseball organizations. The reason why? High-ceiling... More of this article »
New York Mets: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Featuring a young core of homegrown names like David Wright, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Jonathan Niese and Matt Harvey, the New York Mets bolstered their farm system with two key trades that yielded right-handed starting pitcher Zack Wheeler... More of this article »
Minnesota Twins: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Fresh off back-to-back dismal seasons that saw them lose 99 games in 2011 and 96 last year, the Minnesota Twins launched an off-season strategy to upgrade their rotation. To accomplish this, they continued their familiar habit of trading... More of this article »
Milwaukee Brewers: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Young players were pivotal in the Milwaukee Brewers‘ second-half push for a wild card berth last season. Jean Segura, the 22-year-old Dominican shortstop who was part of a package that also included pitchers John Hellweg and... More of this article »
Miami Marlins: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
A new year has brought new (and tempered) expectations for the Miami Marlins. Last offseason, the club opened the vault and spent $191 million for names like Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Heath Bell, and South Beach expected to be... More of this article »
Los Angeles Dodgers: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Suddenly armed with the game’s highest payroll bankrolled by an aggressive and free-spending new ownership group that took over last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers shipped away several of their top prospects in trades. Promising... More of this article »
Los Angeles Angels: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Albert Pujols was the big news signing in Anaheim last off-season, but it was phenom Mike Trout who garnered the most attention in 2012 for the Los Angeles Angels. The 21-year-old outfielder was named American League Rookie of the... More of this article »
Kansas City Royals: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Even after sending uber prospect Wil Myers, and two quality starting pitchers in Jake Odorizzi and Mike Montgomery, to Tampa Bay for veterans James Shields and Wade Davis, the Kansas City Royals still have a deep and talented farm... More of this article »
Houston Astros: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Casual baseball fans snicker at the Houston Astros. Considering that they lost 107 games last year in the National League Central, and they are slated to make their American League West debut in 2013, that humor is understandable.... More of this article »
Colorado Rockies: Top 10 Prospects For 2013
Catcher Wilin Rosario, and infielders Jordan Pacheco and Josh Rutledge, were rookies who logged respectable Major League debuts for the Colorado Rockies in 2012. Unfortunately for the Rockies, none of the aforementioned players are... More of this article »