2015 MLB Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox have had an eventful offseason, but without a true ace, they can't expect to seriously contend for a World Series.

ST. LOUIS — There were times when he was on a naval ship somewhere on the other side of the world that Lt. Mitch Harris wondered if his dream to play major league baseball would ever become more than that or would remain only a dream.

He knew the odds were against him. Having to complete a five-year active duty requirement following his graduation from the United States Naval Academy meant that he could not begin a professional career until 2013, when he was 27 years old, an age when many baseball careers are ending, not just getting started.

One of the most exciting parts of spring training each year is getting a chance to see some of the game's top prospects in action against big league talent.

While the preseason can be a monotonous time for established big league players, it's an exciting chance for young guys to show what they're capable of, and in some cases, it's the first chance a fanbase gets to see what could be the future of its team in a game situation.

In a big-picture sense, spring training doesn't mean anything. In fact, here's a helpful analogy: Spring training is to meaningful baseball what Adam Dunn's career ERA is to meaningful pitching.

But on an individual level...OK, fine. That's where spring training can actually matter. Though most players come into spring training simply looking to get ready for the upcoming season, others come needing to prove something.