Rankings/List

Nine American League teams are still fighting it out for five playoff spots. Anything can happen. Nothing is close to being set in stone. Over in the National League, however, the Dodgers and Braves have all but wrapped up playoff spots while three National League central teams have a pretty good grasp on the others.

On Monday, Derek Jeter returned to the New York Yankees. Again.

If it seems like 2013 has been a tough year for the longtime Yankees shortstop, well, that's because it has.

Not only has Jeter missed practically all season while recovering from a fractured left ankle suffered during the 2012 playoffs, followed by a right quad strain and a right calf strain, he also turned 39 years old in June.

There are few other places on Earth I can classify as havens other than MLB ballparks. The sights, the sounds and the smells are all experiences I cherish each time I set foot in any ballpark around the country.

From my first experience at a professional baseball game to my most recent game attended, I still receive a childlike thrill each time the field comes into view.

The annual July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline carries the potential to reverse franchise fortunes—short term as well as long term—and alter pennant races like no other date on the calendar.

It can signal the end of some dynasties or usher in others. It can mean teams shedding the payroll of stars in exchange for something before the stars can leave their teams at season's end in exchange for nothing.

Record-wise, the 2013 Los Angeles Angels are on pace to be the worst team that Mike Scioscia has ever managed in the majors.

The sad sight of seeing a power hitter deteriorate right in front of our eyes is something baseball fans never want to see.

However, it is an occurrence that happens more often than we think. 

Here is a look at five power hitters who have lost their bat speed recently and, as a result, the performance on the diamond has not been pretty. 

All statistics obtained from baseball-reference.com. 

Yesterday's news that the Cubs will likely pursue free agent-to-be outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, which was reported by Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, shouldn't come as much

The San Francisco Giants' minor league system is teeming with young outfielders, all of whom have the potential to play for the big leagues one day.

As B/R featured columnist J.J. Schoch wrote, the Giants' current outfield is one of the worst in baseball. Hope lies in the minor league system, with five players who could contribute down the road.

On Tuesday, the Padres placed third baseman Chase Headley on revocable waivers, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. This is probably not big news. But if he passes through unclaimed, it can certainly be.

The expansion of the active roster from 25 to 40 players on September 1 means something different to every team. 

For clubs hoping to retain a lead in the standings or make one last run at the postseason, it’s essentially an opportunity to address deficiencies by handpicking the top talent from within the organization. 

Meanwhile, teams that have already thrown in the towel for the season have the freedom to experiment with the lineup and audition younger players.