MLB Spring Training

Spring training is never about wins and losses, but it can still be about winning and losing.

No one remembers the score of the St. Louis Cardinals' May 5 game against the Miami Marlins (I looked it up; they won 3-2). But the Cardinals won't forget losing shortstop Jhonny Peralta that day to a thumb injury that required surgery.

Nathan Eovaldi was just one inning into his second start of spring training, but New York Yankees television analyst John Flaherty was impressed.

"He looks locked in already," Flaherty said on the YES broadcast Wednesday night.

One of the most exciting parts of spring training is that fans get a chance to see some of their favorite team's top prospects.

Reading about a player's impressive tools and big-time potential is great, but seeing them in action alongside established big leaguers gives an entirely difference perspective.

For contending teams, these prospects could provide reinforcement down the stretch as a team looks to make a playoff push. For rebuilding clubs, they represent hope for the future.

TAMPA, Fla. — Pass the sunscreen, it's getting hot here amid the palm trees...

1. The "Rebuild" Begins in New York

Not only is it the most mind-warping number of the winter, but guaranteed you will not find a statistic this summer that trumps it (sorry, meant that apolitically), either.

The Yankees spent zero dollars in free agency.

Nada. Nothing.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Look at them.

Far end of the New York Mets spring clubhouse, short row of lockers, crawling around like scorpions in a box. The most lethal rotation in the game, just waiting to sting someone.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A little sugar on your Grapefruit?...

1. He's Got Friends in Low (and High) Places

He is the Rick Steves of the American League East, a man so well-traveled he could author a guide, rate beaches in St. Petersburg and tell you where to get the best Szechuan in Toronto's Chinatown.

So while other starting pitchers work on command and secondary pitches this spring, David Price has one other item on his to-do list.

JUPITER, Fla. — Is that coconut smell sunblock or a pina colada? Tough to tell in the Grapefruit League...

1. Yadier Molina Is All Thumbs

Along about December, Yadier Molina noticed his left hand just didn't feel right.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida — Sunshine and grapefruit…

There are generally two different types of players who find themselves as non-roster invitees for an MLB team during spring training.

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