Fan News

Could the Mariners be making a play towards Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton?

The Josh Hamilton's and Zack Greinke's of the world are off the free-agent market, but there are still some quality guys available.

Why are quality guys still available?

It's a mixture of things that serve to complicate the situation. One major hurdle is the draft-pick compensation baggage. Some players that have turned down qualifying offers from their 2012 club, require the surrender of a draft pick for other teams to sign them.

Age is another concern for teams. Each of the players listed has already turned 30.

MLB fans have seen a slew of free-agent acquisitions this offseason, but there are still a handful of potential trades that could happen before spring training starts.

MLB trade rumors are about as common as Mark Sanchez turnovers, but the following five players and their rumored deals have some weight to them.

The 2012/2013 offseason has seen the Toronto Blue Jays completely overhaul their roster.

Trades with the Marlins and Mets have added three new starters, a new shortstop, a new second baseman and a merry-go-round of catchers. 

Hidden amongst the big names like Dickey, Johnson, Reyes and Buehrle are a few additions that fans and critics have glossed over. Mark Buehrle is still massively underrated in at least one blogger's opinion, but you can only say "guaranteed 200+ innings" so many times. 

New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson is in a very interesting situation going into the 2013 season.  

Granderson, who will be turning 32 in March, will most certainly be looking for a huge payday when he reaches free agency in 2014.  

Sure, the Yankees could hold on to him and potentially contend for another pennant in 2013, but they could also trade him before free agency hits and get valuable prospects in return.  

The Kansas City Royals are continuing their makeover for the 2013 season by signing 2002 AL MVP Miguel Tejada.

The starting rotation war between pitchers for the Baltimore Orioles will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch come spring training.  

In this dynamic arms race, no lead will be safe.

It will feature possibly 13 pitchers who will fight for the right to take to the hill for the Birds every five days this summer.

Yes. I said it. 13.

The New Year is underway, and the baseball hot stove is still going strong. There are plenty of rumors going around to quench your hot-stove thirst.

With all the rumors out there, it can be hard to identify which ones are legit and which ones have no chance of happening.

We simplify things for you and tell you which of the latest trade rumors you should buy and which ones you shouldn't. 

Jason Kubel for Alexei Ramirez

With fewer than 100 days remaining until opening day 2013, the Seattle Mariners still seem to be looking for ways to improve their team.

After trading for Kendrys Morales just before Christmas, rumors began swirling about whether the Mariners would deal their young first baseman Justin Smoak.

The MLB season always surprises us. Teams and individuals often sustain excellence that we didn't think they could or change abruptly when we least expect it. These bold predictions about 2013 won't seem so far-fetched come summertime.

Read on to see why the AL Central could produce a small-market contender, which new faces will disappoint in new places and who might ride the bench despite a high salary.

Of course, share your own thoughts in the comments section below.