MLB

Fresh off of winning the National League Central crown in 2012, the Cincinnati Reds are the favorites to repeat but could face some roadblocks in their quest to get back to the postseason.

The team won 97 games and were the first team to clinch its division last season, so it had plenty of time to prepare for the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Reds were sent home earlier than expected, and they are hoping to avoid an even bigger letdown this season.

As the 2013 season begins, the Seattle Mariners, like many teams, have several story lines to monitor moving forward. Whether they are at the major league level now, or on the verge of being there, Mariners fans will have plenty to think about other than the win-loss record.

Opening Day for baseball is a grand stage for all players to perform on.  It is an even bigger stage for the singer of the national anthem to start the game.

Behind the Mic presents this reality for Bleacher Report's own Senior Content Producer, Matt King. King has been known around the office as the best singer, but not even he would realize that he would end up singing at a sold out O.co Coliseum.

The Chicago Cubs are ready to spruce up Wrigley Field. When they do, they'll be looking to usher in an entirely new era of Cubs baseball.

But first, the news itself.

Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder Ryan Braun was scratched from the lineup prior to his team's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.

The club's official Twitter account reported the scratch before game time, citing neck spasms as the culprit:

The 2013 Major League Baseball season is finally underway, and the Seattle Mariners have one series under their belt. In the first two games of the opening set with the Oakland Athletics, the Mariners looked like the hot team of 2013.

In the second half of the series, fans were reminded why this team has struggled over the last few seasons.

The Cubs and city of Chicago are on the precipice of a deal that will keep fans singing during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field for the foreseeable future as well.

According to Dan Gelston of the Associated Press, the team and its home are on the precipice of a $500 million renovation deal for the historic ballpark:

When the Boston Red Sox hit the road to play a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend, there could be quite a few boos.

It won't be because of poor play. It will be because Toronto fans hates Boston manager John Farrell.

The 2013 Major League Baseball season is just getting underway, and at this early juncture, there is plenty of time to pick out fantasy sleepers that will produce for your team throughout the year.

Several talented American League youngsters stand out thanks to their upside and flashes of promise from their previous campaigns. All three have short track records in the big leagues but have shown signs that they can get the job done in their brief careers.

Josh Hamilton went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his debut against the Texas Rangers Friday afternoon in Arlington.

The 31-year-old outfielder, who signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in December, has now gone 1-for-16 to start the season, including eight strikeouts.