Baseball

Infielder Michael Young fittingly announced his retirement in a Texas Rangers uniform Friday, after playing 14 seasons in the major leagues, 13 of those with the Rangers.

When it comes to spring training, every fan is interested in getting an early look at baseball’s top prospects.

It's no secret that the only hope that exists for the Chicago Cubs is in their farm system. Top to bottom, they're one of the best in baseball; they were ranked No 4, according to Keith Law of ESPN Insider (subscription required).

The Cleveland Indians' pitching and catching units underwent some substantial changes this offseason.

In the rotation, the team parted ways with starting pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir. In the bullpen, it allowed Joe Smith to leave via free agency, and cutting closer Chris Perez opened up another spot.

Pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks for the Atlanta Braves, marking the fast-approaching 2014 season.

This offers the first glimpse at how the players look after the offseason, although many of them will say "they are in the best shape of their lives."

Still, fans and media get a chance to see how the players look and it generally adds to the excitement for the upcoming season.

The Braves didn't overhaul their roster after winning the National League East in 2013.

The Philadelphia Phillies' offseason is mercifully coming to a close. After a winter that saw a few too many bad contracts signed, fans would like to see what this supposedly-revamped team is capable of doing.

Allow me to tell you about one thing I'm not sure of and two things I am sure of.

The thing I'm not sure of: whether Bryce Harper will be my pick for the 2014 National League MVP. It's still early for such things.

As for the two things I am sure of:

Recently, the New York Mets' 2014 hitting predictions were done, and now, it's time for the starting pitchers predictions. The Mets' present and future success will arguably be built around the rotation.

The starting pitchers will hope to do well on the mound, but other factors such as run support and the bullpen could always play a role in how many wins and losses the starters might end up having.

The arrival of generational stars Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Manny Machado in the major leagues during the 2012 season set a new standard for all future rookie classes.

Yet, in spite of the lofty expectations, the overall influx of young talent in the major leagues last season as a whole was more impressive than the now legendary 2012 class.

Pretty much any story about the Los Angeles Dodgers these days is obligated to at least mention the club's never-ending financial funding and bottomless bank account. All that money has helped the Dodgers acquire the talent to put them in position as favorites in the National League West.

One thing all that money can't buy, though? A 10th starting position on the diamond—preferably in the outfield.