Rankings/List

April is a tricky month to figure out the game of baseball. Usually, fields are thawing from the absurd amount of snow they've received while the players have the same time trying to live up to their offseason hype.

In the American League Central, that comparison is accurate to what's going on in the division.

Behind the Detroit Tigers, who are the heavy favorite to win the division, the other teams in the central have spent time trying to figure out who they are.

The current MLB economic system rewards declining players for their past production, while elite individuals like Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper earn under $10 million per year. In this article, we'll recognize and rank the difference-makers who make only six or seven figures.

Let's be clear about which veterans were not considered.

The 2013 season is now in full swing.

After 10 games, the St. Louis Cardinals are in sole possession of first atop the NL Central with a 6-4 record. But how have they gotten there?

By comparing each major player's current statistics to their 2012 numbers, I've attempted to measure their success against what is expected of them. 

We don't know what the future has in store for the Cardinals, but if these grades have set a precedent, we may be seeing great things.

A number of MLB teams are not at full strength at this point in the year because some of their players are still recovering from offseason surgeries and spring injuries.

These players can provide a big boost once they return, and they can help change a team from one that is struggling to one that is fighting for a playoff spot.

Sometimes, the impact is more than what the player does on the field. In certain cases, their leadership ability is invaluable.

The Toronto Blue Jays’ hopes for a postseason run in 2013 appeared to take a major hit Friday night when shortstop Jose Reyes left the game with an apparently serious ankle injury. As team officials wait to find out the extent of his situation, they should start considering possible replacements if it turns out to be a long-term absence.

Although the 2013 minor league season is a little more than a week old, many of the game’s top prospects—not to mention those who continue to fly under the radar—are off to a red-hot start.

With the first series of the 2013 Minor League Baseball season now in the books, it’s time to reflect on some of the best and worst pitching performances thus far.

Because most of this year’s Opening Day starters are set to toe the slab either Tuesday or Wednesday, all stats in this first installment only reflect each pitcher’s inaugural start. Similarly, this series will focus primarily on minor league starters until relief pitchers log a sizable number of innings.

Entering the second week of the Major League Baseball season, the Oakland Athletics find themselves in a comfortable spot.

Sitting atop the American League West, the A's continue their road trip against the formidable Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This marks another early-season test for the Athletics: how will they fare against a team who many believe to be the prohibitive division favorites.

Dustin Pedroia and the other influential clubhouse leaders in Major League Baseball have various means of encouraging their teammates. Fortunately, every roster has a reputable veteran role model in 2013.

Albert Pujols is known for going about his business quietly and setting a high standard for on-field performance. By contrast, Nick Swisher and Torii Hunter will make themselves available during downtime to connect with men of all ages.

Major League Baseball has somewhat transitioned into a pitcher's league—as we've seen an increase in perfect games and no-hitters the past few seasons—but the league still has its share of feared hitters that no pitcher wants to see in the batter's box.

From on-base percentages to threats to go deep, each hitter brings an arsenal to the plate that has proven to overpower pitchers in the past.

So who made the cut for the 15 most dangerous hitters in baseball today?

Let's find out.