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The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals are emerging as spring training powerhouses this March as the two clubs are a combined 13-1 coming into this weekend's preseason action.

But while the O's are making their run on the East Coast in the Grapefruit League, the Royals are ruling the Cactus League out West. The league has featured some exciting play thus far, with a handful of teams, including the Royals, looking like early contenders.

Every year since 1959, the Topps baseball card company has named an All-Star rookie team.

One player from each position is chosen to the team, and they have an All-Star Rookie trophy adorn their card in the upcoming set.

The 2012 All-Star rookie team was; C Wilin Rosario, 1B Anthony Rizzo, 2B Steve Lombardozzi, 3B Todd Frazier, SS Zack Cozart, OF Yoenis Cespedes, OF Bryce Harper, OF Mike Trout, RHP Yu Darvish, LHP Wade Miley and RP Addison Reed.

For the last several years, everyone keeps waiting for Eduardo Nunez to get a shot at being a regular in the New York Yankees everyday lineup.

Ever since being called up during the 2010 season, he's served as mostly a utility infielder and defensive replacement with the occasional start.

The comeback continues, and for the second time this spring Scott Kazmir has held his opponent scoreless. 

It’s a long shot that Kazmir could make the starting rotation, but there is also nothing that says he can’t. 

Against the Chicago White Sox Friday, Kazmir went two innings, struck out three, gave up one hit and for the second time did not walk anyone. That, in my eyes, is the biggest factor. 

Earlier in spring training, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland spoke about his surprise that last year's closer Jose Valverde is still a free agent. According to Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press:

The Boston Red Sox have a number of prospects making headlines this spring training, but not all of the youngsters may be getting their just due.

I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, it’s not going to happen.

Spring training is a good time to evaluate players of all ages and experiences, throwing them onto a field together and seeing what they’re capable of. It’s the perfect strategy.

It took the 2004 Olympics to get big-name stars back in international basketball as representatives of the United States. After Team USA finished third and took home the Bronze medal, the prevailing embarrassment that followed has given us two (2008, 2012) of the most dominant Olympic basketball teams of the modern era.

The World Baseball Classic is a terrific alternative to the monotonous grind of spring training games. The tournament atmosphere and national pride make the games mean something, rather than seeing players simply going through the motions.

Japan enters as the two-time defending champion of the event. There are a handful of other contenders hoping to make sure it doesn't go three-for-three. A lot will depend on which nations are best able to handle the hand they're dealt in terms of the schedule.

Although the Milwaukee Brewers have a relatively deep farm system with many players close to the major leagues, it’s devoid of a true impact prospect. Rather, it’s top heavy with numerous high-floor players, many of whom are on pace to reach the major leagues in either 2013 or 2014.