MLB

We all like to look into the future. The problem is that the future doesn't like to be looked at. Things change, often quickly, and factors we never consider end up making a hash of our best predictions.

With Opening Day quickly approaching, only three National League teams have a better winning percentage than the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, they sit in the middle of the Cactus League standings. Wins say a lot during the regular season, but we need to look deeper to find meaning in those numbers during spring training.

As the long, winding road towards the regular season approaches, all 30 Major League Baseball teams are making final decisions that will include some of the top prospects in the game getting a well-deserved spot on the 25-man roster. 

Gone are the familiar names that have graced the grass of Fenway Park for the last couple years.

Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, Kevin Youkilis and others have either been traded or signed elsewhere. What is left is a team of aging and oft-injured veterans, as well as unproven prospects.

But this is Boston.

If there is a will, there is a way.

Key Newcomers

What are the odds of longtime New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter retiring after 2013?

Right now, I'd have to say about equivalent to those of an asteroid made of cotton candy colliding with the earth, which I presume are pretty close to zero.

According to MLB.com's Jason Beck on March 26, pitcher Rick Porcello won the Detroit Tigers' competition for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

With the start of the 2013 MLB season just a week away, the Los Angeles Angels will be required to reduce their 40-man expanded roster to a 25-man active roster.

On Opening Day, the team's active roster will most likely consist of five starting pitchers, six infielders, five outfielders, two catchers and seven relief pitchers.

The Atlanta Braves are poised for major success in 2013. As the final roster decisions are debated between Fredi Gonzalez and the front office, remember that the Opening Day roster is just that: an April 1 roster.

Beyond the pageantry of Opening Day, many moves will be made to solidify a roster on the rise.

With a mix of veterans, ascending superstars and young players looking to establish themselves, Atlanta has a deep and diverse group.

Of course, they're led by the Upton-Upton-Heyward outfield that was assembled via free agency and trade.

Opening Day baseball is only a week away.

Let that sink in for a minute: There's only seven days until we can watch our beloved Baltimore Orioles play meaningful baseball games once again.

When the Orioles open the season in Tampa Bay next Tuesday, I'll be there. My dad and I are planning on making the drive from Orlando to attend our first Opening Day baseball game.

The competition to become the No. 5 starter for the Kansas City Royals in 2013 began with five names: Luke Hochevar, Bruce Chen, Luis Mendoza, Will Smith and Yordano Ventura. With less than a week before Opening Day, the team has announced a winner.