Fan News

Now that teams have reported to spring training and taken part in full workouts, the games can begin, which means we get a chance to see what the best minor leaguers in baseball will do against proven stars. 

Sometimes prospects will parlay a strong spring into a surprise MLB job right out of camp, like Jackie Bradley did with Boston or Aaron Hicks did with Minnesota last year. It's often dangerous to put stock in spring numbers because of sample-size issues and shifts in competition. 

With starting pitcher Homer Bailey officially off the 2014-2015 free-agent board after agreeing to a long-term contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds, the pressure could be rising for the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers to get deals done with their own free agent-to-be front-line starters. 

The 2013 St. Louis Cardinals scored 18 more runs than in 2012 despite hitting 34 fewer home runs. A season after being ranked No. 7 in homers in the National League, they plummeted to No. 13.

Five Cardinals blasted 20 or more long balls in 2012 compared to two last season. And one of them—Carlos Beltran—left via free agency.

There will be a familiar face with the San Francisco Giants this spring, as Barry Bonds is set to help out the squad as an instructor.  

Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News provides the details:

On Saturday, the San Francisco Giants agreed to a deal with outfielder Tyler Colvin, according to Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News.

From the beginning of the MLB offseason, Nelson Cruz seemed like a very good fit for the Baltimore Orioles, with their interest in Cruz reported early on. They weren't alone, however.

In the current era of free agency that sees players jump ship and move on to the highest bidder on a yearly basis, it's becoming more and more rare that a player spends his entire career with one team.

That said, there have been some terrific players who retired or are set to retire in recent years that spent the duration of their career with one club.

Veteran right fielder Nelson Cruz has reportedly signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes:

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Designated Hitter Rankings.


1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Big Papi just keeps delivering. He hit .309 with 84 runs, 30 home runs and 103 RBI. He hit .688 with two home runs and six RBI during the World Series.


2. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Every year, baseball fans' excitement about top prospects in major league spring training seems to grow. Unfortunately, it also makes it easy to overlook some of the game's less glamorous, under-the-radar prospects.

Besides providing an opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills in anticipation of the season, participating in major league camp also offers prospects the chance to make a strong impression in front of the entire organization.