Rankings/List

In this day and age, home runs get the most "ooh's" and "aah's" at baseball games from spectators. Fans come to the ballpark to see guys like Prince Fielder and Giancarlo Stanton hit mammoth tater shots that come close to reaching Mars' orbit.

As we inch closer to Opening Day, MLB teams are experiencing their fair share of hiccups.

Whether it be a slumping star player, an injury or a failed position battle, this is about the time in the spring when everything starts to shake into place.

Many professional athletes will do whatever it takes to get a leg up on the competition, but MLB players seem to take it to a different level when it comes to their unique superstitions.

Whether it's the way a pitcher avoids the foul lines or a batter goes through the motions of re-gripping their batting gloves time after time, the superstitions all serve a purpose for the players.

Some superstitions, however, are a little more unique than that, taking things to a new level of odd.

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, voted on by MLB managers and coaches, is considered the standard for fielding excellence in baseball.

But for many, it simply doesn't accurately reflect defensive dominance.

Back in 2010, the Associated Press characterized the Gold Glove Award as more of a popularity contest than an award given out for great glove work.

Via ESPN.com:

The first round is over. Big names went down (Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Korea) and underdogs rose up (Netherlands, Italy). Powerhouses like the USA and the Dominican Republic looked impressive, as did Japan and Cuba. A lot of well-known MLB players didn't show up, but some did along with international stars who are studs in their own leagues.

So, who are the individual winners and losers so far in this year's classic? 

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Third Base Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.



1. David Wright, New York Mets
Wright returned to form with a stellar .306-91-21-93-15. He has alternated good and bad years since 2008. Hopefully, he can buck that trend.



2. Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hanley has not been the same force as earlier in his career, but his .257-79-24-92-21 line was solid. He’s only 29 and should be even better in an improved offense.

New York Mets spring training camp has reached the halfway point, and prospects are trying to make positive impressions on manager Terry Collins and his coaching staff. Travis d'Arnaud and Zack Wheeler, among others, are exhibiting the skills that show they will have a very bright future in Flushing, N.Y. someday.

Other Mets prospects may be vying to make a final roster spot. Some realize they won't be heading north with the parent club, but they want the Mets' brain trust to consider them for a promotion down the road.

For a team that's probably going to finish last in the National League East for the third consecutive year, the Miami Marlins don't have many issues thus far. 

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Second Base Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.



1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

Cano was tops among second basemen in runs, home runs, RBI and batting average. He has as much of a stranglehold on the position as any player in the league.



2. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

It seems like each year in Major League Baseball, a dark horse seems to rise from the ashes to suddenly become a playoff contender.

The Baltimore Orioles and Oakland A's certainly rose from years of mediocrity last season. The Pittsburgh Pirates have been threatening to for the past two years as well.

For any dark horse to become a surprise contender, they need a few breaks to fall their way.

Here is one lucky break that each dark horse team needs in the 2013 season.