Preview/Prediction

The United States and Puerto Rico face off to begin Pool 2 play tonight. The Americans were expected to reach this point, although they faced a lot more pressure than expected to secure a spot, while the Puerto Rican squad is a minor surprise.

The United States, Italy, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico advanced through from Pools C and D to make it to the second round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The Dominican Republic and the United States won Pools C and D, respectively, to make it to the second round while Puerto Rico and Italy were runners-up in Pools C and D, respectively.

Scott Kazmir wants to be the fifth starter for the Cleveland Indians.

After Monday’s four–inning, scoreless performance against the Los Angeles Angels, he may have made a successful case.

The National League East was one of the busiest divisions in baseball this offseason, with all five teams wheeling and dealing to set themselves up for success in 2013 and beyond. 

Some teams—like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals—are built to win now, and their moves reflect that mentality. 

But for the New York Mets and Miami Marlins, the future is what matters. Both teams made major trades that shook up their rosters but could pay major dividends down the road, while also adding solid role players.

With the first pitch of the 2013 regular season just 19 days away, there will surely be plenty of journalists making picks and prognostications for teams and players.

In the American League, the Angels and Blue Jays have become trendy picks with the addition of Josh Hamilton in LA and Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, among others, in Toronto. I'm not convinced either team will have the success they are hoping for.

Longtime New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera has announced that he will be riding off into the sunset at the end of the 2013 season. 

As the St. Louis Cardinals reflect on the unfinished business of 2012, they have to feel proud and disappointed at the same time.  Being one win from the World Series was not something Cardinals fans thought would have been possible in mid-August.

However, the Cardinals showed their teeth like a back-alley Rottweiler and made their push into the playoffs.  Now as 2013 is upon us, the Cardinals are poised to improve on their 88-74 record from last season.

Major League Baseball's 2012 postseason led to some incredibly exciting October baseball and this year's spring training will give us a chance to see some rematches from those series.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals one-upped each other in the comeback department en route to a memorable National League Division Series.

The San Francisco Giants started their improbable World Series-winning run by staging a comeback of their own against the Cincinnati Reds to make history in the other National League Division Series.

In Major League Baseball, veterans are always a key component to the success of a team, but there are some elder statesman who will have a major role for their respective clubs in 2013.

Guys like Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and R.A. Dickey of the Toronto Blue Jays will each be of vital importance to their respective team's pitching staffs. Meanwhile, A.J. Pierzynski will have to make an impact on both sides of the ball for the Texas Rangers.

The Puerto Rican squad will try to improve on their fifth place 2009 World Baseball Classic showing when they take the field at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan on Friday. The 2013 squad will have a mix of stars as well as prospects that could be making their major league debuts soon.