MLB

VIERA, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg already knew this year was going to be different. New manager. New expectations. Free agent at year's end.

But a clue as to how strange things could get arrived the other day during a conversation with the new skipper, Dusty Baker.

In this golden age of parity, most Major League Baseball teams look like contenders going into 2016. As for the rest, well, they're trying. They're really trying.

The question that their fans want answered is this one: When is it all going to be worth it?

With spring training games underway, now is as good a time as any to put together our preseason position-by-position power rankings for the 2016 season.

What follows will be a look at the 10 best players at each position, based simply on how they are expected to perform during the upcoming season.

That's an important distinction, as these rankings are not based on how guys played in 2015 but instead are a prediction of who will be the 10 best at each position this coming year.

On Thursday, New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez launched a home run over the left field wall at Steinbrenner Field in the first inning of an exhibition showdown against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

And with that one swing, A-Rod exemplified spring training in all its meaningful meaninglessness.

Outfielder Josh Reddick wants to remain with the Oakland Athletics, but not much discussion has been had for a new contract.

Continue for updates.

A's Want Reddick Beyond This Year

Thursday, March 3

Athletics executive vice president Billy Beane said Thursday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio he wants to lock up Reddick to a long-term deal, per ESPN's Jim Bowden.   

Injuries wrecked the Detroit Tigers last year and look to be a problem already in 2016, as recently acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin suffered an injury to his wrist. 

Continue for updates. 

Maybin Out 4-6 Weeks

Thursday, March 3

Per an official release from the Tigers, Maybin is expected to miss four to six weeks with a "non-displaced fracture" in his left wrist, which he suffered when he was hit by a pitch against the New York Yankees. 

Thirty-eight-year-old David Ross is entering his 15th and final MLB season, and knowing that his retirement is right around the corner, the Chicago Cubs catcher's teammates are having some fun this spring with the man they affectionately call "Grandpa Rossy."

It's just what youngsters do.

The Steinbrenner family has been synonymous with the New York Yankees since 1973, something managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner does not see changing anytime soon.   

In an interview this week with ESPN.com's Wallace Matthews, Steinbrenner said he expects the Yankees to remain in the family for many generations to come:

"This is one of the greatest discoveries in the history of our hobby."

That is how Professional Sports Authenticator president Joe Orlando described one family's unbelievable find of seven Ty Cobb cards that are expected to be valued at more than $1 million, per the Associated Press (via Sports Illustrated).

The games may not count, but with the 2016 exhibition season officially underway, baseball has finally returned. Split squads, games pitting professionals against amateurs and a slew of players who have little chance of cracking an Opening Day roster are all on display as we creep closer to the regular season.