MLB Spring Training 2014: Dates, Schedule and Team Predictions

It's hard to believe, but the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers will open the 2014 Major League Baseball season in less than a month. The two National League West foes are set to duel in Sydney, Australia, on March 22 and 23 in the latest of baseball's international series to start a season.

While those two teams got a head start on spring training in the desert, the league's 28 other teams are also in action in Arizona and Florida. With exhibition games set to start in the coming days, here's a look at each team's spring training schedule plus storylines to keep an eye on as the action unfolds.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks got an early start to spring training, as they are set to go Down Under to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Sydney, Australia, in a season-opening series on March 22 and 23.

The team made a couple of high-profile additions this offseason, signing pitcher Bronson Arroyo and acquiring slugger Mark Trumbo via trade from the Los Angeles Angels. The Trumbo trade was met with some criticism, as the Diamondbacks shipped away top prospects in outfielder Adam Eaton and pitcher Tyler Skaggs for a one-dimensional player. But Trumbo should be counted on to provide some major home run power behind MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt.

There is a heated battle going on at the back of the bullpen for the closer position, but look for Addison Reed to separate himself from the pack during camp and earn the ninth-inning role by the time the Diamondbacks get to Australia. The 25-year-old can be shaky at times, but he converted 69 saves the past two seasons combined for the Chicago White Sox.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Dodgers	@ D-backs
Thu, Feb 27, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Cubs
Thu, Feb 27, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Dodgers
Fri, Feb 28, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Rockies	@ D-backs
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ D-backs
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	7:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Giants
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ D-backs
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	7:10 pm MST	Rockies	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 04, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Royals	@ D-backs
Thu, Mar 06, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Athletics	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 07, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Athletics
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ White Sox
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Angels
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Padres	@ D-backs
Mon, Mar 10, 2014	7:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 11, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ D-backs
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Dodgers
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	7:10 pm MST	D-backs	@ Rockies
Thu, Mar 13, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 14, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Indians
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	7:00 pm AEDT	D-backs	@ Australia
Wed, Mar 26, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	12:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Reds
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 28, 2014	6:40 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Sat, Mar 29, 2014	1:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs

*Schedule via MLB.com

Atlanta Braves

General manager Frank Wren has been busy these past few weeks as the Atlanta Braves have been proactive in locking up their core to long-term deals.

In February alone, the team has signed first baseman Freddie Freeman (eight years, $135 million), closer Craig Kimbrel (four years, $42 million), starter Julio Teheran (six years, $32.4 million) and shortstop Andrelton Simmons (seven years, $58 million), while Jason Heyward (two years, $13.3 million) also signed an extension earlier this offseason. Those moves should have Braves fans excited for the future.

Evan Gattis will be a major player to watch during spring training as he takes over the everyday catcher's role from Brian McCann, who signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Yankees. Gattis showed flashes of brilliance last year, and I expect him to settle in nicely with this pitching staff before putting together a big 2014 campaign. With Gattis' help, Atlanta shouldn't miss a beat and should be one of the National League's top teams once again.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Braves
Thu, Feb 27, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Tigers
Fri, Feb 28, 2014	6:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Braves
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Nationals
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Astros
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Braves
Tue, Mar 04, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Phillies
Thu, Mar 06, 2014	6:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Braves
Fri, Mar 07, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Red Sox
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Nationals
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Braves	@ Mets
Mon, Mar 10, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Phillies
Tue, Mar 11, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Marlins
Thu, Mar 13, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Cardinals
Fri, Mar 14, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Braves
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Yankees
Mon, Mar 17, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Astros
Wed, Mar 19, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Braves
Thu, Mar 20, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Braves	@ Mets
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Braves
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 22, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 23, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Braves
Mon, Mar 24, 2014	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Braves
Tue, Mar 25, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 26, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Braves
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 29, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Braves Futures

*Schedule via MLB.com

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles have made flurry of late moves to change their outlook for 2014, and they might not be finished yet.

According to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, Nelson Cruz is slated to join his new teammates in Florida after agreeing to a one-year, $8 million deal to bolster an already potent lineup. While the Orioles have yet to announce the deal, it comes just a few days after they inked righty Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $50 million contract.

There has been a lot of speculation that the team will also try to sign right-hander Ervin Santana to a deal, but as Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com reports, it sounds like the Orioles aren't interested in making another big investment in their rotation.

I expect the Orioles to head into Opening Day with the current team and be right in the thick of the competitive AL East, where each team besides the Toronto Blue Jays looks like a serious playoff contender.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Rays
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Orioles
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 04	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 05	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Orioles
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 08	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Orioles
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Orioles
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Yankees
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Twins
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Orioles
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Blue Jays
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 17	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Orioles
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Orioles
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Orioles
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Twins
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Wed, Mar 26	7:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Rays
Thu, Mar 27	7:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 29	3:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Tides

*Schedule via MLB.com

Boston Red Sox

Beantown is home to the reigning World Series champs, and the Boston Red Sox will return in 2014 with a couple of notable changes.

Center fielder and leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury signed a seven-year, $153 million deal with the New York Yankees, and it will be interesting to see if Jackie Bradley Jr. can elevate his game and become an everyday player. Meanwhile, top prospect Xander Bogaerts is expected to take over at shortstop for Stephen Drew, who still hasn't signed a contract as a free agent and continues to be linked to the Red Sox.

While Drew and his agent Scott Boras play the waiting game during spring training, I expect Bogaerts to prove his worth to the Red Sox brass and take hold of the shortstop position. The 21-year-old showed flashes of talent on offense and defense during his late-season cameo in 2013, and he should develop into a solid big leaguer this year.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	3:33 am EST	Eagles	@ Red Sox
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm EST	Huskies	@ Red Sox
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Red Sox
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Twins
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Red Sox
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Marlins
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Red Sox
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 08	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Pirates
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Red Sox
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Red Sox
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Twins
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 15	7:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Red Sox
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Rays
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Red Sox
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 19	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Red Sox
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Red Sox
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Phillies
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Red Sox
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Rays
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Red Sox
Thu, Mar 27	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Red Sox
Fri, Mar 28	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Twins
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Red Sox

*Schedule via MLB.com

Chicago Cubs

It was a relatively quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs, who didn't make any big trades or big signings as they try to develop their own farm system under general manager Theo Epstein.

Top prospects Javier Baez and Kris Bryant have been creating some buzz lately with impressive displays during batting practice at Cubs spring training in Arizona, but they still have some growing to do and should begin the year in the minor leagues.

The team is also hopeful that it can re-sign right-hander Jeff Samardzija before Opening Day, but he's under club control through 2015. While the Cubs are eager to sign Samardzija now, I don't expect they'll meet his contract demands, and it will be hard to convince him to stay around after a losing 2014 campaign heading into his contract year.

First-year manager Rick Renteria doesn't have much overall depth at his disposal and shouldn't be expected to lead the Cubs to the playoffs.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Cubs
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Cubs
Sat, Mar 01	7:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Cubs
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Cubs
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Reds
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Giants
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 12	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Mariners
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Cubs
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm PDT	Mets	@ Cubs
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm PDT	Mets	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Athletics
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Rangers
Wed, Mar 19	6:40 pm MST	Cubs	@ Rockies
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Cubs
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ White Sox
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Athletics
Mon, Mar 24	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Cubs
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Tue, Mar 25	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 26	1:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Thu, Mar 27	12:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Cubs
Fri, Mar 28	6:40 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs
Sat, Mar 29	1:10 pm MST	Cubs	@ D-backs

*Schedule via MLB.com

Chicago White Sox

General manager Rick Hahn and executive vice president Ken Williams have been busy this winter on the South Side of Chicago.

The team added promising young third baseman Matt Davidson and center fielder Adam Eaton via trades, but the most notable move came in free agency. The White Sox signed Cuban slugger Jose Abreu to a six-year, $68 million contract, which puts big expectations on his shoulders from Day 1.

Abreu has made a strong first impression on his teammates, and I suspect the 27-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes—Cuban players who successfuly made the transition to MLB.

Watch for the White Sox to make a lot of noise out of the AL Central this year behind a new lineup and Cy Young contender Chris Sale. 

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Dodgers
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ White Sox
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Indians
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Royals
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Athletics
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ White Sox
Sat, Mar 15	7:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ White Sox
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ White Sox
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 23	1:10 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rockies
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Mariners
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 27	12:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Cubs
Fri, Mar 28	6:00 pm CDT	White Sox	@ Barons

*Schedule via MLB.com

Cincinnati Reds

Things won't be the same for the Cincinnati Reds this year without the services of leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo, who signed a seven-year, $130 million contract with the Texas Rangers this offseason.

While the front office didn't splurge on Choo—and rightly so—they did sign right-hander Homer Bailey to a six-year, $105 million contract, which will keep him around until at least 2019 with an option for 2020. While that's a big investment, Bailey is evolving into a solid front-line starter and should be in his prime for the duration of this deal.

That kind of commitment reflects well on the team's efforts to make sure 2013 wasn't a fluke. A lot is riding on the shoulders of rookie Billy Hamilton in 2014, though, and while the speedster could approach 100 steals, I don't think he'll create enough offense as a hitter to help the Reds return to the playoffs.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Indians
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Indians
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Reds
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Padres
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Reds
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 05	7:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Reds
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Mariners
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Reds
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Reds
Wed, Mar 12	1:10 pm MST	Reds	@ Rockies
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Dodgers
Fri, Mar 14	7:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Reds
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Wed, Mar 19	6:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Royals
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Reds
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Reds
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Athletics
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 27	12:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Brewers
Thu, Mar 27	12:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Reds
Fri, Mar 28	5:10 pm CDT	Reds	@ Blue Wahoos
Sat, Mar 29	4:05 pm EDT	Reds	@ Bats

*Schedule via MLB.com

Cleveland Indians

It will be tough for the Cleveland Indians to repeat their magic from the end of the 2013 season, when they barreled into the playoffs before getting knocked out by the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Game.

Two key starters from last year's squad, Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir, are gone via free agency, and there isn't much proven depth behind ace Justin Masterson. Offensively, the team should expect more big thing from Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana, but this lineup could have used another addition via free agency.

Still, manager Terry Francona has a great pulse on this club. While I don't think they'll make the playoffs, the Indians should be a scrappy team that finishes near the .500 mark.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Indians
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Indians
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Indians
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Indians
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Cubs
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Padres
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Indians
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Indians
Tue, Mar 11	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ D-backs
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Indians
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ White Sox
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Indians
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Giants
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Indians
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 21	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Indians
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Reds
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Indians
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Indians
Thu, Mar 27	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 28	6:10 pm PDT	Indians	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 29	1:10 pm PDT	Indians	@ Padres

*Schedule via MLB.com

Colorado Rockies

With a promising core of players that includes Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Wilin Rosario and Michael Cuddyer, the Colorado Rockies should certainly be competitive in the National League West.

But the starting rotation is still full of question marks, which should keep the Rockies out of the playoffs in 2014. Now that Jhoulys Chacin is dealing with shoulder inflammation, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the team has checked in on free-agent Ervin Santana.

Ultimately, I don't think Santana will make the jump to a National League team for the first time in his career and especially not to Colorado, which is notorious for helping out hitters. 

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:10 pm MST	Rockies	@ D-backs
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Reds
Sun, Mar 02	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rockies
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 03	7:10 pm MST	Rockies	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 04	1:10 pm MST	Giants	@ Rockies
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Rangers
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Cubs
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Brewers
Fri, Mar 07	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 08	1:10 pm MST	Athletics	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Royals
Mon, Mar 10	1:10 pm MST	Padres	@ Rockies
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 12	1:10 pm MST	Reds	@ Rockies
Wed, Mar 12	7:10 pm MST	D-backs	@ Rockies
Thu, Mar 13	7:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Athletics
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 14	6:40 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 15	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Dodgers
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 19	6:40 pm MST	Cubs	@ Rockies
Thu, Mar 20	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rockies
Fri, Mar 21	1:10 pm MST	Indians	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Indians
Sat, Mar 22	1:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 23	1:10 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rockies
Mon, Mar 24	1:10 pm MST	Royals	@ Rockies
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 29	12:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies

*Schedule via MLB.com

Detroit Tigers

The 2014 Detroit Tigers will have a completely new look after a big offseason of change.

Highlighting the player movement was the deal with the Texas Rangers, in which the Tigers shipped away Prince Fielder for second baseman Ian Kinsler. The lineup also lost key contributors Jhonny Peralta and Omar Infante in free agency, and while Miguel Cabrera will still be a monster in the middle of the order, the team looks like it took a step back offensively.

The rotation also regressed a bit by trading away Doug Fister, and it looks like the team is all-in on trying to sign Max Scherzer, who is entering the final year of his contract. While that's an understandable pursuit, I think this season will mark the beginning of the demise of the Tigers as we've known them the past few years.

They'll still be a major force with Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez in the rotation, but the team lost more talent than it added this offseason.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Tue, Feb 25	1:05 pm EST	Mocs	@ Tigers
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Braves
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Tigers
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Phillies
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Braves
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Tigers
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Tigers
Fri, Mar 07	7:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Marlins
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Cardinals
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Yankees
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Tigers
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Tigers
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Tigers
Tue, Mar 18	1:10 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Braves
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Blue Jays
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Tigers
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Phillies
Thu, Mar 27	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Tigers
Fri, Mar 28	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 29	2:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals

*Schedule via MLB.com

Houston Astros

Second-year manager Bo Porter enters this season with a better roster than last year, but it's going to be tough for the Houston Astros to get out of the cellar in the star-studded American League West.

The team should be much more competitive in 2014, though, with additions to the pitching staff in starter Scott Feldman and relievers Jesse Crain, Matt Albers and Chad Qualls.

Crain missed half of last season due to arm issues, but I suspect he'll come back strong in 2014 and establish himself as a legit closer for the Astros. With an offense that doesn't feature much firepower behind catcher Jason Castro and Jose Altuve, Crain might not have many save opportunities, though.

Matt Dominguez and Chris Carter enter this spring training with more experience and should continue to develop as big leaguers, but it still won't be enough in this division.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	6:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Braves
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Astros
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 04	1:10 pm EST	Astros	@ Mets
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Astros
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Nationals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Astros
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Phillies
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Astros
Mon, Mar 10	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Blue Jays
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Astros
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Astros
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Astros
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Marlins
Wed, Mar 19	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Nationals
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Astros
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Astros
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Astros
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Cardinals
Mon, Mar 24	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 26	6:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Astros
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm CDT	Astros	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm CDT	Astros	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 29	7:10 pm CDT	Rojos	@ Astros
Sun, Mar 30	1:10 pm CDT	Rojos	@ Astros

*Schedule via MLB.com

Kansas City Royals

There are no more patient fans in baseball than those in Kansas City.

The Royals won the 1985 World Series in seven games behind George Brett but haven't been back to the playoffs since.

That could change in 2014. The team added a proven innings eater to the rotation in Jason Vargas and re-signed Bruce Chen to go along with James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie and a host of other young, talented pitchers.

But the name to keep an eye on is young fireballer Yordano Ventura, who has an inside track on the fifth starter position. I expect Ventura to be one of baseball's best young pitchers in 2014 and a key player in the Royals' quest to get back into the postseason.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ White Sox
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 05	1:10 pm MST	Royals	@ D-backs
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Royals
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Royals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Royals
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Mariners
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Athletics
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Royals
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Padres
Mon, Mar 17	6:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 19	6:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Royals
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Royals
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Giants
Mon, Mar 24	1:10 pm MST	Royals	@ Rockies
Tue, Mar 25	6:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 28	7:10 pm CDT	Royals	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 29	1:10 pm CDT	Royals	@ Brewers

*Schedule via MLB.com

Los Angeles Angels

The trio of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton struggled last year for Los Angeles, and the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight year despite having a big payroll.

Pujols has arrived in camp in shape, and after playing hurt all year in 2013, he is primed to bounce back with a big campaign for the Angels. Hamilton is something of a wild card after his season-long struggles, but he has so much talent that it's hard to see him having another down year.

Meanwhile, Trout is in extension talks with the Angels, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, after establishing himself as one of baseball's best all-around players to start his career.

The team clearly has some concerns about the back end of the rotation after failing to sign Matt Garza to a contract in free agency, but the additions of Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs should be enough to keep this team in the playoff hunt all year.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Mariners
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 03	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 07	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Angels
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Indians
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 15	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Royals
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Athletics
Thu, Mar 27	7:10 pm PDT	Angels	@ Dodgers
Fri, Mar 28	7:10 pm PDT	Angels	@ Dodgers
Sat, Mar 29	6:05 pm PDT	Dodgers	@ Angels

*Schedule via MLB.com

Los Angeles Dodgers

With arguably the most talented roster in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2014 as a leading World Series favorite.

The outfield quartet of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford and Yasiel Puig has been a hot topic of trade discussion for the Dodgers, who would be wise to keep all of them around. Kemp isn't expected to play in Australia for the season-opening series on March 22, and Puig is already dealing with soreness in spring training, while Crawford and Ethier are both injury risks as well.

The rotation is also set up for success, with Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu leading the way. While $10 million for Dan Haren might have been too much, the $5 million signing of Paul Maholm could prove to be the best value of the offseason.

There are big concerns at second base and third base, with two unproven Cuban signees and an aging Juan Uribe, but the Dodgers are so stacked that they should have time to figure it out.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Mariners
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 03	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 07	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Angels
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Indians
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Angels
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 15	1:10 pm MST	Angels	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Royals
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Angels
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Cubs
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Athletics
Thu, Mar 27	7:10 pm PDT	Angels	@ Dodgers
Fri, Mar 28	7:10 pm PDT	Angels	@ Dodgers
Sat, Mar 29	6:05 pm PDT	Dodgers	@ Angels

*Schedule via MLB.com

Miami Marlins

There are a couple of bright spots on an otherwise dismal Miami Marlins team heading into 2014.

While the addition of free-agent catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (three years, $21 million) was noteworthy, he likely won't be enough to spark this lineup to bigger things this season.

Still, this team has two of the brightest young players in baseball in slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and right-hander Jose Fernandez. I suspect he will be Clayton Kershaw's biggest competition in the National League Cy Young race this season.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm EST	Hurricanes	@ Marlins
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm EST	Panthers	@ Marlins
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Sat, Mar 01	1:10 pm EST	Marlins	@ Mets
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Nationals
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Marlins
Wed, Mar 05	1:10 pm EST	Marlins	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Marlins
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Marlins
Mon, Mar 10	1:10 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Mets
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Red Sox
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Marlins
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Tigers
Fri, Mar 14	7:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Sat, Mar 15	3:33 am EST	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Marlins
Sun, Mar 16	3:33 am EST	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Twins
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Marlins
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Astros
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Nationals
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Tigers
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Braves
Thu, Mar 27	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Yankees

*Schedule via MLB.com

Milwaukee Brewers

After a long offseason of relative inactivity, the Milwaukee Brewers made a big addition to the rotation by signing Matt Garza to a four-year, $50 million contract.

Garza returns to the National League Central, where he fared well with the Chicago Cubs to start 2013 before being traded to the Texas Rangers. He should bring a huge boost to a rotation that also features Kyle Lohse and Yovani Gallardo.

This division looks pretty wide open this year behind the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Brewers certainly have some potential to be sneaky good with the core of Ryan Braun, Carlos Gomez, Jonathan Lucroy and Jean Segura in 2014.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Athletics
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 01	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ D-backs
Sun, Mar 02	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rockies
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Athletics
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Brewers
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Brewers
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Indians
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Brewers
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Angels
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 16	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ D-backs
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Brewers
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 20	1:10 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rockies
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Brewers
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Reds
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Brewers
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Indians
Thu, Mar 27	12:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Brewers
Fri, Mar 28	7:10 pm CDT	Royals	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 29	1:10 pm CDT	Royals	@ Brewers

*Schedule via MLB.com

Minnesota Twins

For all of the money spent by the Minnesota Twins on their pitching staff this offseason, it might not do much to shore up the 4.55 team ERA from 2013, which ranked 29th in MLB.

Ricky Nolasco signed a four-year, $49 million deal and assumes the role of ace on a pitching staff that didn't have a single 10-game winner last year. Meanwhile, the other two pitching additions of Phil Hughes (three years, $24 million) and Mike Pelfrey (two years, $11 million) each had 5.19 ERAs in 2013 and don't look like they'll be much help.

Joe Mauer might have an uptick in offensive stats as he makes the move to first base full time, and top prospect Byron Buxton is set to have a breakout year, but the pitching problems severely limit the Twins' potential in 2014.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Red Sox
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Twins
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Rays
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Twins
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Marlins
Wed, Mar 05	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Twins
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Pirates
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Blue Jays
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Twins
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Rays
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Twins
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Twins
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 15	1:10 pm EDT	Twins	@ Mets
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Twins
Mon, Mar 17	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Orioles
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Twins
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Rays
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Twins
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Twins
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Twins
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Twins
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 27	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Red Sox
Fri, Mar 28	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Twins
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Red Sox

*Schedule via MLB.com

New York Mets

Franchise player David Wright received some reinforcements in the lineup this offseason with the signings of outfielders Curtis Granderson (four years, $60 million) and Chris Young (one year, $7.25 million), and the Mets remain linked to free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, per Bill Madden of the New York Daily News.

Adding Bartolo Colon (two years, $20 million) should ease the pain of losing Matt Harvey and bring a good veteran presence to a rotation that features developing starters Dillon Gee and Jonathon Niese.

The Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves will be tough to catch in the National League East, but New York's offseason moves should keep them competitive.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28, 2014	1:10 pm EST	Nationals	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	1:10 pm EST	Marlins	@ Mets
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Cardinals
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Braves
Tue, Mar 04, 2014	1:10 pm EST	Astros	@ Mets
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:10 pm EST	Marlins	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 06, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Astros
Fri, Mar 07, 2014	1:10 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Tigers
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Braves	@ Mets
Mon, Mar 10, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Mets
Tue, Mar 11, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Cardinals
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 13, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Nationals
Fri, Mar 14, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Twins	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:05 pm PDT	Mets	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Cardinals
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:05 pm PDT	Mets	@ Cubs
Mon, Mar 17, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 18, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 20, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Braves	@ Mets
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Twins
Sat, Mar 22, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Marlins
Sun, Mar 23, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 23, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Mets
Mon, Mar 24, 2014	1:10 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Mets
Tue, Mar 25, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 26, 2014	6:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	12:10 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Mets
Fri, Mar 28, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 29, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Blue Jays

*Schedule via MLB.com

New York Yankees

The Steinbrenner family opened up their checkbooks again, and big bucks were spent in the Bronx this offseason. 

This will mark the final season of Derek Jeter's Hall of Fame career, and the Yanks have surrounded him with a revamped roster that should battle atop the stacked American League East.

The team's latest move was inking Brett Gardner to a four-year, $52 million extension, but the winter will be remembered for the signings of Japanese righty Masahiro Tanaka (seven years, $155 million), outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury (seven years, $130 million) and Carlos Beltran (three years, $45 million), and catcher Brian McCann (five years, $85 million).

While Robinson Cano will be missed, a healthy Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez's season-long ban should bode well for the Yankees.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Tue, Feb 25	1:05 pm EST	Seminoles	@ Yankees
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Pirates
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Yankees
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Yankees
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Blue Jays
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Yankees
Tue, Mar 04	7:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Rays
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 07	7:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Astros
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Yankees
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Yankees
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Phillies
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Yankees
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 15	3:33 am EST	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Orioles
Sun, Mar 16	3:33 am EST	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Yankees
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Braves
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Red Sox
Fri, Mar 21	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Twins
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Yankees
Tue, Mar 25	7:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 27	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Yankees

*Schedule via MLB.com

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland A's let Grant Balfour go via free agency but traded for proven Baltimore Orioles closer Jim Johnson, who recorded 101 saves in the past two seasons combined. That same day, Oakland signed Scott Kazmir to a two-year, $22 million contract to fill the void left by Bartolo Colon.

Kazmir joins a rotation that also features talented right-handers Sonny Gray and Jarrod Parker, while the bullpen additions of Luke Gregerson and eventually Eric O'Flaherty give Oakland one of the American League's best pitching staffs again.

The outfield trio of Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes and a healthy Josh Reddick highlights a lineup that also features other solid contributors, such as Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss and Jed Lowrie. The A's should be in the running to win their third straight AL West title with this well-rounded group.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Athletics
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Athletics
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Athletics
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Angels
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Athletics
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Cubs
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Athletics
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Brewers
Thu, Mar 06	1:10 pm MST	Athletics	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Athletics
Sat, Mar 08	1:10 pm MST	Athletics	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Athletics
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Dodgers
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Athletics
Thu, Mar 13	7:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Athletics
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Royals
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Athletics
Sat, Mar 15	3:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Reds
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Athletics
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Indians
Fri, Mar 21	6:35 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Athletics
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Athletics
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Athletics
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Athletics
Thu, Mar 27	7:15 pm PDT	Athletics	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 28	7:15 pm PDT	Athletics	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm PDT	Giants	@ Athletics

*Schedule via MLB.com

Philadelphia Phillies

Things don't look like they'll be turning around anytime soon in Philadelphia.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. provided the head-scratcher of the offseason when he signed aging catcher Carlos Ruiz to a three-year, $26 million contract. He joins a host of other mid-30-year-olds on this roster who are making big bucks—including Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley—and who will be hard to move on the trading block.

As a whole, this group is on the decline, and the team looks handcuffed for years to come. Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and the newly signed A.J. Burnett bring a solid one-two-three punch to the rotation, but the window on this team looks like it has closed.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Tigers	@ Phillies
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Yankees
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Rays
Tue, Mar 04	6:35 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Phillies
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Tigers
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Orioles
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Phillies
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Twins
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Phillies
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Orioles
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Pirates
Sat, Mar 15	7:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Red Sox
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Phillies
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Phillies
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Pirates
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Tue, Mar 25	7:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Yankees
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Phillies
Thu, Mar 27	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies

*Schedule via MLB.com

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally broke through with a playoff appearance in 2013 behind MVP Andrew McCutchen.

While the Bucs were surprise contenders to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, the magic of last season will be hard to duplicate. Still, McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez highlight the emerging group of hitters on this team, while top prospect Jameson Taillon should be able to ease the pain of A.J. Burnett's departure once he reaches the big leagues.

But that might not be until midseason, per Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Burnett's absence will make it tough on the Pirates in the early going. Still, the Pirates have a good thing going and should be in the hunt for a wild-card spot.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Pirates
Thu, Feb 27, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Yankees
Fri, Feb 28, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Pirates
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 04, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 06, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 07, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Pirates
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Orioles
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Pirates
Mon, Mar 10, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Pirates
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 13, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Rays
Fri, Mar 14, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Pirates
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Pirates
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies
Mon, Mar 17, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Pirates
Wed, Mar 19, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Red Sox
Thu, Mar 20, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Yankees
Sat, Mar 22, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Pirates
Sun, Mar 23, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Orioles
Mon, Mar 24, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Pirates
Tue, Mar 25, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Pirates
Wed, Mar 26, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Twins
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 28, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies
Sat, Mar 29, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Phillies

*Schedule via MLB.com

St. Louis Cardinals

There weren't many holes on this St. Louis Cardinals roster, but John Mozeliak was aggressive in addressing the need at shortstop by signing Jhonny Peralta to a four-year, $53 million deal.

Peralta joins a well-rounded lineup that figures to receive a big boost from top prospect Oscar Taveras. I suspect Taveras will have a great spring training and earn the starting center field job out of camp, making fans forget about Carlos Beltran.

This pitching staff remains one of baseball's best from top to bottom, and it stayed intact despite some trade rumors earlier this winter. Look for the Cardinals to make a deep run into the postseason again in 2014.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Cardinals
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Red Sox	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Twins
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Fri, Mar 07	1:10 pm EST	Cardinals	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Nationals
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Cardinals
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Cardinals
Wed, Mar 12	1:10 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Mets
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Braves	@ Cardinals
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Astros
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Braves
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Cardinals
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Red Sox
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Astros
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Cardinals
Mon, Mar 24	1:10 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Mets
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Marlins
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 27	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Cardinals
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm CDT	Cardinals	@ Redbirds

*Schedule via MLB.com

San Diego Padres

The National League West figures to be a competitive division.

There isn't much star power in San Diego, but infielder Jedd Gyorko and pitchers Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross looked like they turned the corner in 2013 and enter this spring training with more established roles.

It will be interesting to monitor the situation in the bullpen after the team's signing of Joaquin Benoit (two years, $15 million) to a closer-like deal. For now, Huston Street is penciled in as the closer, and I suspect he'll hold down the role for the Padres, who are dark-horse contenders to win a wild-card spot.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Padres
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Dodgers
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Giants
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ White Sox
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Brewers
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Padres
Sun, Mar 09	1:10 pm MST	Padres	@ D-backs
Mon, Mar 10	1:10 pm MST	Padres	@ Rockies
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Indians
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Dodgers
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Padres
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Padres
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 21	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Padres
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 24	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Cubs
Tue, Mar 25	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Padres
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 28	6:10 pm PDT	Indians	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 29	1:10 pm PDT	Indians	@ Padres

*Schedule via MLB.com

San Francisco Giants

Things went south in San Francisco last season as the team tried to defend its 2012 World Series title, the franchise's second in three years.

Injuries to players such as Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro limited the lineup, while Pablo Sandoval also lowlighted a lineup that didn't live up to its potential in 2013. But Sandoval is looking in shape and motivated entering his contact year, and there is plenty of talent in players such as Buster Posey and Hunter Pence.

Pitching has been a strong point of this team in recent years and should be again if Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Hudson bounce back strong in 2014. Tim Lincecum remains a big question mark, but the leading duo of Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner gives the Giants a great chance to return to the playoffs in 2014.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Athletics
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Cubs
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	D-backs	@ Giants
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Giants
Tue, Mar 04	1:10 pm MST	Giants	@ Rockies
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Royals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Giants
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Giants Futures
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Dodgers
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Giants
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Reds
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 13	6:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Rangers
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 15	3:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Giants
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Indians
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 21	6:35 pm MST	Athletics	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ White Sox
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Giants
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Angels
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Brewers
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Giants
Thu, Mar 27	7:15 pm PDT	Athletics	@ Giants
Fri, Mar 28	7:15 pm PDT	Athletics	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm PDT	Giants	@ Athletics

*Schedule via MLB.com

Seattle Mariners

Robinson Cano cashed in with the biggest free-agent contract of the offseason when he signed with the Seattle Mariners for 10 years and $240 million.

Still, this team lost its top two sluggers from a year ago in Raul Ibanez and Kendrys Morales, and the offseason additions of two injury-prone players in Corey Hart and Logan Morrison don't look like enough for this lineup to do any major damage.

Morales could still return to the team as a free agent, but the future doesn't look all that bright for Seattle in this stacked American League West, especially now that starter Hisahi Iwakuma (finger) is expected to start the season on the disabled list, per Greg Johns of MLB.com.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Padres
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Mariners
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Indians
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Reds
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Mariners
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Dodgers
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ White Sox
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Giants
Sat, Mar 08	7:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Dodgers
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 10	7:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ D-backs
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 12	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 13	1:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ D-backs
Fri, Mar 14	6:40 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Mariners
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Angels
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Mariners
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Cubs
Fri, Mar 21	7:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Athletics
Sat, Mar 22	1:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Mariners
Tue, Mar 25	6:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Royals
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rangers
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Mariners
Sat, Mar 29	12:10 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rockies

*Schedule via MLB.com

Tampa Bay Rays

The offseason began with rampant David Price trade rumors, but the Tampa Bay Rays took a different course this winter.

The team actually opened up the checkbook to re-sign James Loney (three years, $21 million) and David DeJesus (two years, $10.5 million) while bringing back closer Grant Balfour (two years, $12 million), who played with Tampa Bay earlier in his career.

The Rays are here to stay and can be counted on to be major players in the heavy-hitting American League East.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm EST	Orioles	@ Rays
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Pirates
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Rays
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Rays
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Red Sox
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Rays
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Orioles
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Yankees
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Red Sox
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Rays
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Pirates	@ Rays
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Braves
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Pirates
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Rays
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Twins
Wed, Mar 19	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Orioles
Thu, Mar 20	7:05 pm EDT	Twins	@ Rays
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Rays
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Red Sox
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Twins
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Rays
Wed, Mar 26	7:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Rays
Thu, Mar 27	7:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Orioles
Fri, Mar 28	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 29	2:05 pm CDT	Rays	@ Biscuits

*Schedule via MLB.com

Texas Rangers

Slugging first baseman Prince Fielder should put up monster numbers in Arlington after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers for Ian Kinsler. Fielder will be hitting in the middle of a lineup that also features new leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo, who signed a seven-year, $130 million contract this offseason.

Choo, Elvis Andrus, Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Alex Rios and top prospect Jurickson Profar give Texas a potent lineup, but can the pitching hold up?

Yu Darvish enters the season as a legit Cy Young candidate, but Derek Holland is out until midseason with a knee injury, and Matt Harrison recently suffered a setback with his neck, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. That leaves second-year lefty Martin Perez as the other top pitcher on this staff, which is looking awfully thin at the moment.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Thu, Feb 27	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Fri, Feb 28	1:05 pm MST	Royals	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Athletics
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm MST	Indians	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Angels
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm MST	Rockies	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 06	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Padres
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Dodgers
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm MST	Dodgers	@ Rangers
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Mariners
Mon, Mar 10	1:05 pm MST	Reds	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ White Sox
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm MST	Angels	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 13	6:05 pm MST	Giants	@ Rangers
Fri, Mar 14	7:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Reds
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Athletics
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm MST	White Sox	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 17	6:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Tue, Mar 18	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Brewers
Tue, Mar 18	7:05 pm MST	Cubs	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Reds
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm MST	Brewers	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Royals
Sun, Mar 23	1:05 pm MST	Padres	@ Rangers
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm MST	Athletics	@ Rangers
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm MST	Rangers	@ Indians
Wed, Mar 26	12:05 pm MST	Mariners	@ Rangers
Thu, Mar 27	7:05 pm CDT	Tigres	@ Rangers
Fri, Mar 28	7:05 pm CDT	Astros	@ Rangers
Sat, Mar 29	1:05 pm CDT	Astros	@ Rangers

*Schedule via MLB.com

Toronto Blue Jays

There is still time for the Toronto Blue Jays to add a starter, such as Ervin Santana, but for now, this team looks like it will have a tough time time keeping pace in the American League East.

The talented combo of Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Reyes and Adam Lind is certainly impressive, but R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle struggled all season long, and Brandon Morrow is returning from a serious injury.

Pitching will be at a premium in facing offensive teams this year, and the Blue Jays don't look like they're built to handle the grind of the AL East.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Wed, Feb 26, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Thu, Feb 27, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Fri, Feb 28, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 01, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Orioles
Sun, Mar 02, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Yankees	@ Blue Jays
Mon, Mar 03, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Twins
Tue, Mar 04, 2014	6:35 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Wed, Mar 05, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Pirates	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 06, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Blue Jays	@ Pirates
Fri, Mar 07, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Rays	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 08, 2014	1:05 pm EST	Twins	@ Blue Jays
Sun, Mar 09, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Astros
Tue, Mar 11, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Canada Jr. Team	@ Blue Jays
Tue, Mar 11, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 12, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Rays	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 13, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Blue Jays
Fri, Mar 14, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Red Sox	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 15, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Rays
Sun, Mar 16, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Orioles	@ Blue Jays
Tue, Mar 18, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 19, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 20, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 21, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Rays
Sat, Mar 22, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Blue Jays
Sun, Mar 23, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Yankees
Mon, Mar 24, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Phillies	@ Blue Jays
Tue, Mar 25, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Pirates
Wed, Mar 26, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Blue Jays
Thu, Mar 27, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Blue Jays	@ Phillies
Fri, Mar 28, 2014	7:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Blue Jays
Sat, Mar 29, 2014	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Blue Jays

*Schedule via MLB.com

Washington Nationals

First-year manager Matt Williams filled arguably the most coveted offseason skipper opening this offseason when he agreed to join the Washington Nationals.

Washington also made the smart move of acquiring reliable starter Doug Fister for two role players and a prospect, adding him to a stacked rotation that also features Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez.

The depth in the lineup is also notable, with proven hitters Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman joining talented and developing sluggers Bryce Harper and Ian Desmond.

As such, this well-rounded team is looking like a strong contender to fight with the Atlanta Braves atop the National League East in 2014.

2014 Spring Training Schedule

Date	Time	Road Team	Home Team
Fri, Feb 28	1:10 pm EST	Nationals	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 01	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Nationals
Sun, Mar 02	1:05 pm EST	Marlins	@ Nationals
Mon, Mar 03	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Yankees
Tue, Mar 04	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 05	1:05 pm EST	Mets	@ Nationals
Thu, Mar 06	6:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Braves
Fri, Mar 07	1:05 pm EST	Astros	@ Nationals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Braves	@ Nationals
Sat, Mar 08	1:05 pm EST	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Sun, Mar 09	1:05 pm EDT	Cardinals	@ Nationals
Mon, Mar 10	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Nationals
Tue, Mar 11	1:05 pm EDT	Yankees	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Braves
Wed, Mar 12	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Astros
Thu, Mar 13	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Nationals
Fri, Mar 14	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Tigers
Sat, Mar 15	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Marlins
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals
Sun, Mar 16	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Astros
Mon, Mar 17	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Tigers
Wed, Mar 19	6:05 pm EDT	Astros	@ Nationals
Thu, Mar 20	1:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals
Fri, Mar 21	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Sat, Mar 22	1:05 pm EDT	Marlins	@ Nationals
Sun, Mar 23	1:10 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Mets
Mon, Mar 24	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Marlins
Tue, Mar 25	1:05 pm EDT	Mets	@ Nationals
Wed, Mar 26	1:05 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Cardinals
Thu, Mar 27	12:10 pm EDT	Nationals	@ Mets
Sat, Mar 29	2:05 pm EDT	Tigers	@ Nationals

*Schedule via MLB.com