Baseball

As the calendar turns to March, we are approaching the one-year anniversary of a pretty monumental day in the history of American professional sports.

Okay, call me crazy, but I know I'm right...  

San Diego Padres closer Huston Street will be the late-round fantasy draft closer of the year.

Well, that is if he can stay healthy for a full season.

The third edition of the World Baseball Classic is officially under way, as the best in the game will compete for national pride in what's become the most highly anticipated international baseball event in the world. 

As the two-time defending champions, the Japanese squad is obviously the team to beat, but given how spread out the talent is between the top tier of teams, it wouldn't be surprising to see Japan fail to make it back to the finals. 

The Los Angeles Angels did not give much of a financial reward—or provide any long-term job security—to 2012 American League Rookie of the Year Mike Trout. The All-Star center fielder had a season that would seem to warrant an eight-figure annual salary for years to come, but the Angels renewed his contract Friday for $510,000—just $20,000 over the MLB minim

The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals are emerging as spring training powerhouses this March as the two clubs are a combined 13-1 coming into this weekend's preseason action.

But while the O's are making their run on the East Coast in the Grapefruit League, the Royals are ruling the Cactus League out West. The league has featured some exciting play thus far, with a handful of teams, including the Royals, looking like early contenders.

For the last several years, everyone keeps waiting for Eduardo Nunez to get a shot at being a regular in the New York Yankees everyday lineup.

Ever since being called up during the 2010 season, he's served as mostly a utility infielder and defensive replacement with the occasional start.

The comeback continues, and for the second time this spring Scott Kazmir has held his opponent scoreless. 

It’s a long shot that Kazmir could make the starting rotation, but there is also nothing that says he can’t. 

Against the Chicago White Sox Friday, Kazmir went two innings, struck out three, gave up one hit and for the second time did not walk anyone. That, in my eyes, is the biggest factor. 

Earlier in spring training, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland spoke about his surprise that last year's closer Jose Valverde is still a free agent. According to Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press:

The Boston Red Sox have a number of prospects making headlines this spring training, but not all of the youngsters may be getting their just due.

I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, it’s not going to happen.

Spring training is a good time to evaluate players of all ages and experiences, throwing them onto a field together and seeing what they’re capable of. It’s the perfect strategy.