MLB

With essentially the same roster back from the team that won it all in 2012, the San Francisco Giants entered the season expected to once again contend for a title, but they have stumbled to a 38-38 start and currently sit in fourth place in the NL West.

They were 28-22 and tied for the division lead back on May 26, but since then they've endured a 10-16 stretch, including just 3-7 in their past 10 games.

Is the entertainment business in New York Yankees' legend Mariano Rivera's future plans? Even if it wasn't, now it could be.

Matt Garza is on the trade block and the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are interested in acquiring his services, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Work on those breaking pitches, kids. Develop an elite one, and you'll go far.

But therein lies a question: What exactly separates an elite breaking ball from a run-of-the-mill, garden-variety breaking ball?

As you look at the next 10 slides, think about how much value each of these players have to their respective teams. Not just salary, but value. Even just the names tell you a lot—Bryce Harper, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Reyes and more. Teams can overcome injuries, but they cannot replace value in most cases and if you add in the value of time lost, it's pretty clear that teams need to be doing more. 

The 2013 College World Series is drawing to a close, with UCLA holding a 1-0 series lead over Mississippi State entering Tuesday's Game 2, but the future for some of the best and brightest players in Omaha is incredibly exciting. 

Carlos Marmol has finally worn out his welcome with the Chicago Cubs. The organization announced on Twitter that the relief pitcher has been designated for assignment: 

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 25, at 5:21 p.m. ET by Ian Hanford

The Toronto Blue Jays are 15-5 in June, which can't be ignored when making your MLB picks Tuesday. They continue a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

Courtesy of SBR Forum, the Blue Jays are plus-121 road underdogs in the pro baseball odds, while the betting total sits at eight in the market.

The 2013 Boston Red Sox have risen to the top of the AL East not because of superlative superstar performances, but rather due to the contributions of many.

They have taken a step back from their stars-first approach and have instead looked to piece together a team filled with capable veterans and young players determined to make an impact.

The results, thus far, have been beyond what most experts could have expected.

The American League playoff race is heating up as the season rapidly reaches the halfway mark. There are some clear front-runners—such as last year's American League champs the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers—but it's anyone's guess for the last three spots.

The AL East is particularly close, with the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees constantly flipping spots.

John Smoltz and Ernie Johnson help break down the playoffs with "Behind the Mic."