Fan News

The Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series in over a century and haven't lost any fewer than 87 games in five years, and we're supposed to believe they're going to contend in 2015?

So they say. And you know something? Their chances of at least contending for a wild-card spot deserve to be taken seriously.

Spring training will be here in a matter of weeks, and 2015 could turn into a very big year for the New York Mets. Of course, what is seen on paper has to translate into on-field success, and hopefully, the Mets will be able to put together their first winning season since 2008 and make the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Here are five bold predictions for the Mets this season.

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The Detroit Tigers have had yet another frenzied offseason. They didn’t waste any time getting started—within a few weeks of the season ending, Victor Martinez was re-signed, and they had picked up Joakim Soria’s option.

This early activity set the tone for the weeks to come. Other noteworthy additions included Yoenis Cespedes and Alfredo Simon, while Rick Porcello and Torii Hunter were among the significant departures.

The 2014-2015 MLB offseason is coming down the homestretch, but there are still more than a few things to be sorted out between now and the time pitchers and catchers start to report to spring training roughly a month from now.

Spring training can be stressful. 

That's definitely the case for outfielders on the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox, as there are simply way too many players and not enough spots in the respective lineups. 

It's put up or shut up time for Anthony Rizzo.

Oh, sure, it's January, a long, cold, soggy month of all talk and no action in MLB. But Rizzo's the one who decided to open his yapper and guarantee the Chicago Cubs, one season removed from a last-place finish, would win the National League Central in 2015.

Here's the quote in question, per David Schuster of WSCR Chicago:

The New York Mets have reportedly already passed on acquiring Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond once, but that doesn't mean that they are out of the running.

According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the Mets still have interest in the 29-year-old All-Star; however, no resolution is imminent on that front.

Major League Baseball could soon see a pitch clock used to limit the amount of time between pitches during games, as the league announced Thursday that it will experiment with the clocks at the Triple-A and Double-A levels of the minor leagues.

The Associated Press, via ESPN.com, reported the news:

The San Diego Padres officially announced they will serve as the hosts for the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Petco Park.

They confirmed the hosting duties on social media:

Team president Mike Dee commented on the decision:

The St.