Fan News

In most areas, the St. Louis Cardinals are one of the heavyweights. Power lineup. Power starters. Power relievers.

The bench, however? Well, let’s be generous by calling them lightweights.

For a team possessing all the ingredients to reach the World Series this season, a bench absent of any semblance of pop could be a thorn in their strategy for success.

The New York Mets are 2-3 in spring training after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 on March 4. The record holds no bearing on the regular season and expectations are tepid, but fans are excited about the future rotation.

With spring training officially underway, what will the Phillies' starting rotation order look like in the regular season? 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

I've been referring to the blockbuster that the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers pulled off in November as "the Prince Fielder trade." Beyond having a nice ring to it, it's struck me as appropriate to name the deal after its principal component.

Houston Astros prospect Jonathan Singleton is a power-hitting first baseman capable of becoming a force at the plate for a franchise desperately seeking star power. While he doesn't lack talent, his off-field progress is just as important to his development.    

There are times in life when one must stare fear in the face and give it a big fat kiss.

This was one of those times for Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter. Justin Verlander dared his teammate to pucker up and lay one on the gator, and Hunter came through in the clutch. However, Hunter captioned the photo "#stillfearit," so there remains a healthy respect for the animal. 

As play heats up in Arizona and Florida, the start of the regular season moves closer to reality for baseball fans. Yet, despite the calendar inching toward spring, winter isn't over for some teams.

Offseason activity still exists, especially within free agent circles impacted by draft compensation, lingering trade activity and teams looking to find the missing piece to a complete 25-man roster.

Earlier today, Bleacher Report had an exclusive opportunity to speak with 19-time American League All-Star and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.

Aside from Ripken's broadcasting work, the former iron man is working with Transitions adaptive lenses, spreading awareness about eyesight problems and encouraging parents to remain diligent with testing their children.

Anything can happen between now and when the New York Yankees break from spring training at the end of March, but barring injuries, it doesn't appear as if the 25-man roster will be too difficult to project.

Johan Santana is no longer one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, but the Baltimore Orioles hope that there is something left in his magical left arm.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the O's agreed to a one-year deal with the two-time Cy Young Award winner: