1 Lesson Each Team Will Learn in Spring Training

The MLB exhibition schedule began particularly early in 2013. The extra time together ensures that each team will learn a lesson in spring training before heading home in late March.

Several of them will leave major league camp in sour moods. During the preseason, the field of potential World Series contenders whittles down from 30 because of incurable roster deficiencies, and the realization that "this isn't our year" can be difficult to digest.

With that said, competition frequently reaffirms a club's strengths or highlights others that have been overlooked.

Like it or not, everybody is going to see their situations differently in the coming weeks.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Versatility Is Invaluable

Willie Bloomquist has been passed around the infield and outfield by the Arizona Diamondbacks over the past couple seasons. His familiarity with multiple positions was so important.

Now, the Snakes are spoiled with one of the sport's best utility men, Martin Prado.

The native Venezuelan plays exceptionally strong defense wherever he's stationed and provides plenty of production from the batter's box. Being six years younger than Bloomquist is another plus.

Arizona is about to find out that talent and a selfless mindset are a lethal combination.

Atlanta Braves: Never Trust a Tiny Sample Size

The Atlanta Braves may have overestimated their starting rotation depth.

They gradually thinned out the group of starting pitching candidates during the winter. Jair Jurrjens was non-tendered, while the Braves traded Randall Delgado and Tommy Hanson.

These decisions were made under the assumption that Kris Medlen could be a legitimate ace.

In truth, after only 13 post-Tommy John surgery MLB starts, it's too soon to tell. Serious regression is inevitable for the 27-year-old.

Baltimore Orioles: Luck Doesn't Last

Every careful observer will agree that the Baltimore Orioles enjoyed more success than they should have in 2012. It's practically unprecedented for an MLB team to amass 93 wins despite a plus-seven run differential.

Manager Buck Showalter persevered through numerous injuries and reassigned roles on the fly to keep his club competitive. He can probably do it again.

But the intangible, magical element is going to be absent in the 2013 O's, and we'll notice it pretty immediately.

Boston Red Sox: Unfamiliar Pieces Take Time to Gel

The Boston Red Sox understandably made wholesale changes coming off their weakest season of the millennium.

Since spring training 2012, they have turned over most of the bullpen and lineup. And of even greater significance, Boston dismissed loopy Bobby Valentine in favor of low-key John Farrell.

The pitchers and catchers have limited experience with one another. Newcomers Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino must adjust to defensive positions they usually don't occupy. Expect some awkward miscues as the Red Sox get accustomed to one another.

It could be a matter of weeks—or months—before this team's talent and winning percentage correlate.

Chicago Cubs: Great Things Come to Those Who Wait

The rebuilding Chicago Cubs aim to trade expensive veterans Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano for promising prospects.

However, finding fair deals is difficult when everyone knows your intentions. The Arizona Diamondbacks, for instance, moved Trevor Bauer and Justin Upton for relatively disappointing returns this past winter.

Chicago would be wise to retain them until midsummer. It means less salary relief, but stronger offers from desperate playoff hopefuls.

Chicago White Sox: Good Health Isn't Guaranteed

Colorful graphics from Jeff Zimmerman of FanGraphs suggest that the Chicago White Sox have some sort of vaccination to protect against the injury bug.

Longtime trainer Herm Schneider certainly makes an impact, but the law of averages says that one of these years, the roster is going to struggle to stay healthy.

Projected starters Jose Quintana and Chris Sale are susceptible to Tom Verducci's "Year-After Effect." The Sports Illustrated columnist insists that they "may be at risk because of a sharp increase in workload" from 2011 to 2012.

Tyler Flowers and Jeff Keppinger also seem like risks. For the first time since arriving in the majors, both will be tasked with playing regularly.

Cincinnati Reds: Don't Take Unnecessary Risks

Aroldis Chapman was outstanding in the ninth inning last summer.

He overwhelmed all opposition with a fastball-slider combination and posted one of the league's highest WAR values among relievers.

But even though the Cincinnati Reds have their entire 2012 starting rotation intact, they intend to convert Chapman into a starter. Rather than use him in a familiar role, the Reds want to stretch him out and hope that increasing his workload doesn't dilute the quality.

The coaching staff will soon realize that attempting this change is not in the team's best interest, especially when Mike Leake is an acceptable fifth starter.

Cincinnati should keep Chapman in the bullpen where he's a proven commodity.

Cleveland Indians: Fans Dig the Long Ball

The Cleveland Indians struggle to draw large crowds during the regular season. They perennially rank among the league's worst in attendance and players find the quiet atmosphere discouraging (see Chris Perez's comments).

It's even a problem in spring training. John Yantis of The Arizona Republic reports that Goodyear Ballpark officials tried "fireworks, free tickets and cheap soda and family packages to bring spring-training attendance out of the cellar" in 2012.

Thanks to a few roster changes, they'll notice a positive change in the fanbase this year.

After so many summers of hitting fewer home runs than the American League average, the Indians signed free agents Mark Reynolds and Nick Swisher. Their presence is assured to boost the team's winning percentage and bottom line.

Colorado Rockies: It's Impossible to Simulate High Altitude

Unfortunately, the Colorado Rockies will learn that they cannot learn much about their pitching staff.

The team hasn't allowed a home run so far this spring, a stat which is misleading yet unrealistic. The clear skies of Scottsdale, Ariz. simply foster a different offensive environment than Colorado's thin air.

Aside from non-roster invitees who might break camp with the Rockies, the starting rotation will be largely unchanged from 2012.

Any exhibition success needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Detroit Tigers: Pitchers, Fielders Need to Be Compatible

There's a lot to like about Rick Porcello.

The 24-year-old seldom misses scheduled starts and has postseason experience. He possesses a prototypical pitcher's frame and a sinker that maxes out in the mid-90s.

Alas, he will never reach his full potential in a Detroit Tigers uniform.

Porcello frequently induces ground balls, which serves as a detriment with Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera anchored at first and third base, respectively. His middle infielders aren't particularly agile, either.

Regardless of spring training results, the Tigers will feel tempted to trade him.

Houston Astros: Everything in Moderation, Including Rebuilding

The Houston Astros have gone too far.

It's one thing to commit to rebuilding and trade away expensive, aging players. This winter, however, the front office moved arbitration-eligible guys like Wilton Lopez and Jed Lowrie who provided value at reasonable prices.

Sixty wins was a realistic goal for 2013 before these transactions. Now, all signs point toward a historically ugly campaign.

In the coming weeks, first-time skipper Bo Porter will be forced to acknowledge that he doesn't have adequate options at most positions.

Kansas City Royals: Lame-Duck Managers Make Lame Decisions

A handful of other managers find themselves in identical contract situations.

But more so than Terry Collins or Joe Girardi or Don Mattingly, Ned Yost will begin 2013 on the hot seat.

His Kansas City Royals disappointed last summer despite a talented lineup and great bullpen. Ownership opened up the checkbook to revamp the starting rotation and give fans reason to believe that they can contend immediately.

Yost's major league career as a sub-replacement-level backup catcher wasn't very lucrative, so he fears unemployment more than those aforementioned peers. Without some security, he'll feel pressured to "over-manage."

Los Angeles Angels: Forget About the Stats

This is a lesson Albert Pujols learned in 2012.

He was consumed with hitting home runs upon debuting with the Los Angeles Angels, which ironically hurt his production and led to poor results for the team. The high expectations encouraged him to pull pitches that could have just as easily been slapped to the opposite field.

Josh Hamilton finds himself under similar pressure now, while Mike Trout is supposed to steal dozens of bases to supplement his power.

They'll hopefully see the light and stop stressing once aggressiveness in spring training backfires.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Your Trash Can Be Someone Else's Treasure

MLB veterans who don't seem to fit on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster include Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang and Juan Uribe. On L.A., they are overpaid surplus players.

But each of them would assimilate smoothly into a starting job elsewhere.

The Dodgers can get a lot in exchange by marketing them as accomplished individuals rather than misfits on a juggernaut club.

Miami Marlins: Sometimes, It's as Bad as It Seems

The Miami Marlins have shocked the baseball world on several occasions.

In 2006, Joe Girardi led a rookie-laden roster to 78 wins. Last summer, an uber-talented group started collapsing in June and finished with the worst record of any 21st century Marlins team.

There won't be any big twists in 2013.

With starting pitchers who aren't used to 200-inning workloads and several experienced players who want to get out of town, Miami is destined to finish fifth in the NL East. 

Milwaukee Brewers: Depth Makes Champions

When healthy, the Milwaukee Brewers lineup will cause problems for opposing starting pitchers. All the integral batters came back from the 2012 team that topped the Senior Circuit in scoring.

Unfortunately, one consistent producer is already expected to start the regular season on the disabled list. His backup will miss even more time.

Without a veteran bench, the Brew Crew isn't going to tack on runs when it needs them in the later innings.

Minnesota Twins: The Preseason Is Full of False Optimism

Justin Morneau says he's healthier than ever following several frustrating years.

Then again, you'd be hard-pressed to find a player who isn't confident at this stage of the spring.

Barring a miracle, the Minnesota Twins will face another sub-.500 season and don't let any cheery quotes convince you otherwise.

New York Mets: Queens Isn't a Hot Free-Agent Destination

New York Mets owners insist that they have recovered from their ponzi scheme losses.

We have every reason to believe that the franchise will spend generously in the near future to return to its former glory.

But financial incentives aside, who would choose to come to Queens? Jose Valverde is playing hard to get and Michael Bourn preferred the Cleveland Indians.

As the final 2013 free agents decide to sign, the Mets will not get the veteran depth they seek.

New York Yankees: You Can't Replace Power

Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs agree that Curtis Granderson provided less than 3.0 WAR for the 2012 New York Yankees despite playing 160 games.

Any of the team's outfield alternatives can match a prorated version of that value by catching fire with their own skill sets.

But as a power-hitting threat, Granderson makes his teammates better. Those in the lineup before him see easier pitches to hit and whomever comes after gets opportunities to drive him in if the opposing pitcher cowardly issues a walk.

Starting an equally effective individual doesn't ensure equal success for the Yankees.

Oakland Athletics: International Free Agency Is an Inexact Science

The Oakland Athletics look like geniuses for signing Yoenis Cespedes prior to the 2012 season. Over the life of his contract, the Cuban outfielder can make the A's grateful despite the $36 million cost.

The club made a significantly smaller commitment to Hiroyuki Nakajima, another professional wooed away from his home country.

Scouting foreign veterans with no major league experience is a tricky business. The 30-year-old shortstop cannot be held to the same lofty standards as Cespedes.

Philadelphia Phillies: Sabermetrics Matter

The Philadelphia Phillies organization is falling behind by refusing to embrace baseball's advanced statistics.

Analysts collectively scratched their heads as general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. completed acquisitions of Delmon Young and Michael Young. Due to weak defensive performances and impatience in the batter's box, neither is thought to be deserving of an everyday job.

Without the protection of the designated hitter spot, these lifetime AL players will underwhelm the coaching staff this spring.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Nobody Is Impressed Without 'Almost'

The Pittsburgh Pirates almost ended their streak of consecutive losing seasons.

Andrew McCutchen almost won the National League batting title.

The tortured fanbase has waited long enough for the Bucs to be relevant on the national stage. Despite the free-agent additions and trend in a positive direction, Pittsburgh won't get any respect this spring due to its past failures.

San Diego Padres: Differentiate Between Performance and Results

Edinson Volquez was surprisingly serviceable during his first summer in Southern California.

But his same old erratic mechanics won't translate to 2013 success. The Petco Park fences are coming closer to the plate and allowing nearly three baserunners every two innings is just asking for trouble.

He's going to need to be an entirely different pitcher this spring to reprise his role as rotation leader.

San Francisco Giants: Don't Mess with a Pitcher's Weight

A pitcher's body type has everything to do with his performance on the mound. CC Sabathia stays hefty and Chris Sale keeps slim so that they don't need to alter their mechanics.

Only John Lackey, for example, and others coming off serious surgeries should experiment with weight change. They have to reinvent themselves from scratch anyway.

The San Francisco Giants watched Tim Lincecum flounder in the starting rotation last season after shedding significant pounds.

This spring will feature a revitalized version of the former NL Cy Young Award winner. His bigger gut may mean less swimsuit photo shoots, but probably greater velocity and stamina.

Seattle Mariners: Think Before You Shop

The Seattle Mariners offseason strategy was simple—add offense to a lineup that typically struggles to score.

They had lofty goals of getting Josh Hamilton and Justin Upton. Ultimately, the M's settled for Mike Morse and Kendrys Morales.

Despite the efforts, it's unclear if Seattle will actually improve in 2013.

Those new bats occupy the same position and enter free agency after the season, as do lesser veterans Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez.

The front office will see the errors of its ways as the spring progresses.

St. Louis Cardinals: History Repeats Itself

Stubborn teams are always reluctant to admit a player's flaw.

During the winter, St. Louis Cardinals GM John Mozeliak insisted that Rafael Furcal's elbow was completely healed. The shortstop would reportedly be 100 percent healthy come spring training.

That's not the case, however, and we shouldn't be surprised. Furcal regularly misses portions of the season with serious injuries.

At least the Cards have prepared for an inevitable stint on the disabled list by signing Ronny Cedeno.

Tampa Bay Rays: Choose Between Saving Money and Saving the Season

Outfielder Wil Myers looks very comfortable in Tampa Bay Rays camp.

That's hardly surprising. The top prospect tore through the minor leagues in 2012 and should have been called up to the majors at some point in September.

Tampa Bay prefers to keep Myers in Triple-A for several months, delaying his MLB service time and arbitration eligibility.

This small-market club typically cuts unnecessary costs, but this is a different situation. In a deep AL East, the Rays must have all hands on deck from Opening Day to compete for the division crown.

Texas Rangers: Continue Considering Moves in March

The Texas Rangers were prepared to spend lavishly this past winter and clear the air after a late-season collapse. Outfielders Michael Bourn and Josh Hamilton made sense, as did available starting pitchers like Zack Greinke and Edwin Jackson.

With Opening Day approaching, those areas remain unaddressed.

But it isn't too late. Alfonso Soriano and Giancarlo Stanton could still be acquired via trade, and free-agent right-hander Kyle Lohse needs a home.

GM Jon Daniels historically avoids approving major roster tweaks in March. Desperation could make him buck that trend.

Toronto Blue Jays: Not Everybody Can Catch the Knuckleball

Though R.A. Dickey throws the knuckleball for strikes, it obviously features dramatic downward movement.

The Toronto Blue Jays have several men competing for the backup catcher's job behind J.P. Arencibia. Whomever can keep his body in front of the unpredictable pitch is going to warrant serious consideration.

Washington Nationals: Ignore the Hype and the Critics

There has never been so many people previewing a summer of baseball in the nation's capital.

The coverage is overwhelming positive, as the loaded Washington Nationals roster has the potential to finish with a triple-digit win total and World Series championship.

But this team must not get complacent.

The Nats should only be concerned with meeting their own expectations. This spring, their players will learn that tuning out the media is much easier than trying to impress it.

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