Preview/Prediction

Despite the fact that spring training grows ever closer, there are still a number of viable free-agent options on the market and they will find homes one way or another in the weeks ahead.

Kyle Lohse and Michael Bourn continue to dominate the headlines, as they are by far the top two available players, but that is not to say that there an not some solid veterans and potential key contributors still unsigned.

This series will evaluate one team per day, starting on January 23, 2013 and ending on February 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. Please keep in mind that rosters can, and will, change before Opening Day. We started in the AL East and now go to the NL side, starting in the East and going in alphabetical order. Next up, the Miami Marlins.

The Hot Stove was active this offseason with big free-agent signings and a handful of blockbuster trades. The purpose of such action, of course, is to improve a team's chances of competing for a world championship.

One team that didn't make waves this winter was San Francisco. Instead, the Giants focused on keeping their roster intact, and so they will be heading into 2013 with just about the same group that won it all in 2012.

A repeat as AL West champions for the Oakland Athletics starts with manager Bob Melvin. Without him at the helm, it's not happening this year and it wouldn't have occurred last season either.

The team is talented, but Melvin pulled the right strings at the right times throughout the 2012 season. With the first base platoon returning and five outfielders for four spots, he'll have to hope his magic touch hasn't waned.

Take comfort, A's fans.

The teams in the AL East are filled with talent.

The Yankees, per usual, are one of the most skilled and highest-paid teams in the league. The Red Sox are determined to rebound after a tough 2012. The Blue Jays made a bevy of offseason moves. The Orioles are hoping to build on one of their best seasons in years, and the Rays look to ride stars Evan Longoria and David Price to a postseason berth.

Don't be surprised, however, if a newcomer from each team plays a pivotal role in determining the winner of the AL East. 

This series will evaluate one team per day, starting on January 23, 2013 and ending on February 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. Please keep in mind that rosters can, and will, change before Opening Day. We start in the AL East and go in ABC order; next up, the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 2012 the Red Sox suffered their first losing season in 15 years and fired manager Bobby Valentine just one year into his tenure with the organization. 

Injuries, poor play, and attitude problems have plagued the Red Sox since September 2011, when they suffered an epic collapse, going from being the best team in baseball to missing the playoffs entirely. 

Signing an oft-injured pitcher to a slightly over-priced, incentive-laden deal?

The Orioles have made it a side-business over the past few years, inking such pitchers as Justin Duchscherer, Dana Eveland, Randy Wolf, Josh Rupe and Jeremy Accardo.

A game that moves at a snail’s pace as far as innovations are concerned is doing just fine in the realm of Twitter, and here are some of the game’s best micro-bloggers.

The important thing to note is the list of truly interesting, hilarious and insightful Tweeters is exhaustive when you consider this great sport.

Chicago Cubs team president Theo Epstein may say that the 2013 season will be considered a failure if the team doesn't qualify for the playoffs.