Fan News

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.

Most fans are well aware at this point of the New York Yankees' plan to cut payroll down to $189 million before the start of the 2014 season.

Entering the 2013, the Yankees have at least 10 significant players on their roster that can or will be free agents after the season.

Their budget plans will make it next to impossible to bring back everyone.

When you think about it, there should be no wonder why the baseball closer has been known throughout history as being the one guy on the roster with a screw loose.

Teddy Roosevelt may not be bringing up the rear for much longer in the Nationals' annual fourth-inning Presidents' race. 

According to Dan Steinberg of The Washington Post, the Nationals will be adding a fifth, portly member to the presidential sprint, the 27th president of the United States, William Howard Taft. 

The Boston Red Sox have brought back a familiar face, recently signing outfielder Ryan Sweeney to a minor-league deal, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford.

Who says you have to pump iron (or, in these days, pop PEDs) to be a slugger? For goodness sake, Babe Ruth did it on hot dogs and beer!

Power hitters come in all shapes and sizes, from a rounded Prince Fielder to a towering Adam Dunn to a perfectly proportioned Albert Pujols. 

But wait, what about the skinny guys? You know, the ones who frequently take off days from the gym just because they weren't in the mood (we've all been there). 

Surprisingly, some of these players are renowned as some of the best home run hitters in the game. 

Justin Verlander is the best pitcher on the planet, and the Detroit Tigers should do everything they can to ensure that he never puts on another jersey.

The 29-year-old hurler was the Tigers' No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 amateur draft and made his major league debut just a year later on July 4, 2005.

Justin Verlander is one of the top pitchers in baseball, and the Detroit Tigers have to ensure that he spends his whole career in a Tigers uniform.

With only 17 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, each organization is busy determining how to best fill out its roster at every minor league level.

Some teams, such as the Los Angeles Angels, have already announced all of their non-roster invitations to big-league spring training—a mix of prospects and former major leaguers.

New York Yankees prospect Tyler Austin was not a well-known player at the start of the 2012 season.

But in less than one year, Austin has steadily risen through the Yankees' ranks to become the No. 3 prospect in the organization.

Still just 22, this 6’2”, 200-pound Georgia native is a speedy athlete with steadfast lumber and an above-average arm.