Everything is coming up roses for the Pirates, but things aren’t so sunny in Philadelphia. Our beat man also makes his picks for the All-Star team and checks in with scouts.
The RBI might be an old-fashioned stat, but it’s still a measure of success in Detroit. Our beat man also checks in on Mariano Rivera, Justin Verlander, Munenori Kawasaki, and with scouts.
The Dodgers are going to have to rely on their pitching to carry them to October. Our beat man also checks in on Carlos Marmol, the A’s stadium situation, Alex Cobb, and with scouts.
The Giants’ rotation might not be as dominant as usual, but the team is still confident in its chances for October. Our beat man also checks in on Brandon McCarthy, Bryce Harper, Gerrit Cole, with scouts, and weighs in on Kirk Gibson vs. Mark McGwire.
Several teams with playoff hopes could be affected should MLB follow through with Biogenesis suspensions. Our beat man also checks in on Stephen Strasburg, Jonathan Gray, Grady Sizemore, the Phillies, and scouts.
The Cubs might have an ugly record, but the team feels that better days are ahead. Our beat man also checks in on Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kennedy, the Mariners, and scouts.
They might be on a historically bad pace, but the Astros are optimistic about 2013. Our beat man also checks in on Matt Garza, the AL Central, Carlos Ruiz, and with scouts.
Jean Segura and Michael Saunders both could challenge for a Most Improved Player award. Our beat reporter also checks in with Bryce Harper, Carlos Zambrano, Rick Ankiel, Philip Humber, and scouts.
The Nationals’ offense is off to a sluggish start. Our beat reporter also checks in with the potential use of pitcher helmets, Roy Halladay, and scouts’ takes.
The Twins might have a mediocre record, but it’s an upgrade from 2012. Our beat reporter also checks in on whether major leaguers would accept a gay teammate, the Phillies, Stephen Strasburg, and returns with scouting reports.
The Braves are thriving thanks to Justin Upton. Our beat reporter also catches up with the Tigers, Albert Pujols, and the Rockies.
The Reds have battled injuries early on, but some scouts think the 2013 squad might be better than the 2012 team. Our beat man also checks in on Yovani Gallardo, the Blue Jays, Ubaldo Jimenez, and the Red Sox.
Terry Francona is happy to be near his home while managing the Cleveland Indians. Our beat reporter also checks in on Jered Weaver, closers, and Will Middlebrooks.
Our resident beat reporter hears both the pros and cons of recent contract extensions and catches up on Robinson Cano and the Cubs.
The Dodgers expect to compete for the World Series, Zack Greinke discusses sabermetrics, the Yankees get Vernon Wells, Kyle Lohse gets a job, and the Cardinals have a rash of bad luck.
BP’s resident beat writer runs through observations from the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, the World Baseball Classic, and touches base on the Reds and Braves.