Baseball

The 2013 Boston Red Sox will need a lot of player contributions if they want to rebound from last year’s disappointing 93 losses. In particular, the team needs a big season from pitcher Clay Buchholz. 

After weeks of speculation and predictions, the Philadelphia Phillies have officially set their Opening Day roster and determined which players will be charged with making the 2012 season a distant memory and 2013 a return to the postseason.

Three days.

That's all the time that remains between now and opening day for the Toronto Blue Jays.

And with all the wheeling and dealing that was done this past offseason by GM Alex Anthopoulos, the 2013 edition of the Blue Jays barely looks anything like the 2012 team that took the field day-in, day-out.

With significant changes made to the team's starting rotation, starting infield, starting outfield, as well as bullpen, the Jays are almost a brand new team, ready to compete.

The Oakland A's made a couple of transactions yesterday by claiming a couple of minor league right-handers off waivers, and to make room the A's designated Daric Barton and Travis Blackley for assignment.

What if each of Major League Baseball's awards were given out to every team—who would end 2013 as the Oakland A's Most Valuable Player? Who would be their Cy Young winner? What about Most Improved Player or Comeback Player of the Year?

Whether any player actually wins any award is yet to be seen. Regardless, there's going to be a top hitter and a top pitcher. Someone will rebound. Guys will improve.

Count on it.

Here's an analysis of who could win these awards if they were doled out, one to each team.

The funny thing about baseball’s unwritten rules is that they find themselves written down eventually.

And, just to be sure, I’ll prove it:

Don’t steal a base when leading by six runs in the eighth inning.

Don’t try to break up a no-hitter with a bunt.

Don’t make the first out at home plate.

Don’t walk the leadoff hitter.

Don’t walk the pitcher, no matter where he’s hitting.

Don’t swing at the first pitch if you make an out doing so.

After six weeks of preparation, the Washington Nationals will play their first game of the regular season on Monday afternoon. Spring training is officially in the books after their final tune-up against the New York Yankees on Friday afternoon.

The Seattle Mariners have not made a decision on their final roster spot, but as noted by MLB.com, signs point to Jason Bay winning the job.

For the first time in a long time, the only piece of the New York Yankees' roster that seems to be set in stone in their starting pitching.

Normally, their lineup is star-studded and it is the pitching that is in flux. However, a mix of injuries and departures has rendered the Yankees offense anemic and it will be up to their rotation to carry the load in 2013. 

It was a big day in MLB for teams extending their star players.

And all these extensions will have a direct impact on the Boston Red Sox moving forward.