Fan News

The writing had been on the wall for months. The Atlanta Braves, frustrated after a second-half collapse sent them spiraling out of playoff contention in 2014, were rebuilding. Gone were cornerstone outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Heyward, and the same went for catcher Evan Gattis.     

"Are you saying Pan? Or Pam?"

While it seems he is likely heading to the disabled list shortly, it appears Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander hasn't let that keep his spirits down.

Opening Day came early to Wrigley Field on Sunday night, with the Chicago Cubs losing to the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-0, at the only stadium in professional baseball that could’ve really used an extra 24 hours of preparation.

Madison Bumgarner cemented his legacy as one of the best big-game pitchers of all time with his dominant performances in the 2014 postseason, leading the San Francisco Giants to their third World Series championship in five years. 

Bleacher Report's Stephen Nelson was joined by Bumgarner as he builds his ultimate starting rotation, discusses his friendship with Clayton Kershaw and explains his endorsement deals. 

"Opening day. All you have to do is say the words and you feel the shutters thrown wide, the room air out, the light pour in. In baseball, no other day is so pure with possibility. No scores yet, no losses, no blame or disappointment. No hangover, at least until the game's over."

—Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune 

The 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner is staying put, as the Cleveland Indians agreed to a new contract with pitcher Corey Kluber.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com provided details:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed Heyman's report.

Days before starting the 2015 season, the Cleveland Indians have reportedly given reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber a long-term contract extension. 

Continue for updates. 

The Kansas City Royals locked up one of their most promising young arms Saturday. According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (via SportsCenter), Yordano Ventura agreed to a five-year, $23 million extension with the team. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided more detail:

Spring training is just about in the books, so let's take a look back at winners and losers. Players are hitting their stride with the regular season right around the corner. 

The media circus around New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriquez reached a boiling point this past month. Were A-Rod and the Yankees winners or losers during the spring?

Entering the 2015 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be in a rebuilding mode but with a bright future.

Young players are dominating the D-backs rotation and starting lineup thus far in spring training. Chase Anderson (27), Rubby De La Rosa (26), Jeremy Hellickson (27) and Archie Bradley (22) are all confirmed as part of the rotation.