Opinion

Two-and-a-half seasons into his professional career, Madison Bumgarner is already established as one of the game's premiere pitchers. He'll slot in behind ace Matt Cain and in front of two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum in the San Francisco Giants' rotation to open this season.

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.

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.

The World Baseball Classic is a terrific alternative to the monotonous grind of spring training games. The tournament atmosphere and national pride make the games mean something, rather than seeing players simply going through the motions.

Japan enters as the two-time defending champion of the event. There are a handful of other contenders hoping to make sure it doesn't go three-for-three. A lot will depend on which nations are best able to handle the hand they're dealt in terms of the schedule.

For the first time in a number of years, the New York Yankees are heading into the regular season with a fair amount of uncertainty regarding the team's standing in the AL East.

The Yankees have boasted one of the strongest pitching rotations in the game over the past few years, with stars like C.C. Sabathia and Mariano Rivera leading the way.

The Cleveland Indians should consider trading closer Chris Perez as soon as possible.

According to MLB.com, Perez suffered a subscapularis strain in his throwing shoulder this spring and will probably not return for the next three to four weeks.

The Mark Prior comeback trail simply will not stop. In a deal that was first reported by MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, the Cincinnati Reds signed Prior to a minor-league contract on Friday: