Preview/Prediction

The starting rotation for the Seattle Mariners is far from set as the team gets ready to start spring training for the 2013 season.

Would it be a stretch to suggest that only two spots are assured at this point?

Felix Hernandez. Ace. Top of the rotation. In process of signing huge long-term deal. Check.

For a team that was struggling for pitching depth about a week ago, the Seattle Mariners seem to be intent on having as many options as possible heading into the 2013 season.

Spring training is all about competition, and there will be no better competition to watch in Mets camp than in the outfield.

Lucas Duda, who was sent down to AAA last year because of his struggles at the plate, is the only outfielder to secure a starting job. But even his role is unclear—is he the full-time starter in left, or will he platoon with a right-handed bat?

Tim Lincecum met with the media Friday for the first time this offseason and he sounds like a man on a mission. Lincecum is going to bounce back in a big way for the San Francisco Giants in 2013. 

Though the offseason still has a few days remaining before pitchers and catchers descend on Florida and Arizona, most teams have already completed the majority of their winter shopping. Save a couple of key free agents still searching for work, rosters have been shaped for what should be an interesting season in the National League East.

This series will evaluate one team per day, starting on Jan. 23, 2013, and ending on Feb. 22, 2013 (the first game of spring training). It is based on last season's performance, offseason changes since and the author's outlook for the team in 2013.

The end of the National Football League season means that the sports calendar is about to give way to Major League Baseball.

This is the time of year when baseball fans' minds start to cut through the clutter of sub-zero temperatures and blowing snow to find green grass, blue skies and warmer climates.

By the time that the last strand of confetti is swept off of the turf of the Super Bowl, optimism springs in the minds of fans across MLB's 30 teams, thinking that their team can be this year's surprise team.

When the game is on in the background and they step in the box, you stop what you are doing and watch.

There is no more simple an offensive measure in baseball than the home run, a ball that travels over a fence. It sounds so simple but continues to be the most impressive feat and the reason many tune into this wonderful sport every summer.

These are some who are the best at it.

On April 27, Chris Carpenter will turn 38 years old. His major league career appears to be on its final legs, but on Tuesday Cardinal fans found out that the retirement may come sooner rather than later.

It was reported by Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak on Tuesday that Carpenter is still feeling discomfort in his arm and it is "very unlikely he will pitch in 2013."

The Cardinals announced on Tuesday afternoon that Chris Carpenter would miss the 2013 season after a recurrence of shoulder problems. Carpenter missed the bulk of 2012 with a shoulder issue that was said to be corrected by surgery.