MLB

After barely surviving the opening round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the United States is back in action on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico to begin Pool 2 play. The game highlights a three-game schedule for Day 11.

The National League East was one of the busiest divisions in baseball this offseason, with all five teams wheeling and dealing to set themselves up for success in 2013 and beyond. 

Some teams—like the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals—are built to win now, and their moves reflect that mentality. 

But for the New York Mets and Miami Marlins, the future is what matters. Both teams made major trades that shook up their rosters but could pay major dividends down the road, while also adding solid role players.

The Boston Red Sox have not made the playoffs since being swept out of the postseason against the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 and now have a real chance to make it back in the playoffs with a wide open AL East.

A month ago, most people outside of Detroit didn't know who Jeff Kobernus was.

But this season, Kobernus will be on everyone's radar, and will make a surprise impact for the Detroit Tigers.

After a busy offseason for the New York Mets, including a nine-figure extension for David Wright and trading Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, there is one ultimate question that no one seems to be talking about: Which Mets players would be cast as the main characters in Star Wars? 

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Third Base Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.



1. David Wright, New York Mets
Wright returned to form with a stellar .306-91-21-93-15. He has alternated good and bad years since 2008. Hopefully, he can buck that trend.



2. Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hanley has not been the same force as earlier in his career, but his .257-79-24-92-21 line was solid. He’s only 29 and should be even better in an improved offense.

With the first pitch of the 2013 regular season just 19 days away, there will surely be plenty of journalists making picks and prognostications for teams and players.

In the American League, the Angels and Blue Jays have become trendy picks with the addition of Josh Hamilton in LA and Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, among others, in Toronto. I'm not convinced either team will have the success they are hoping for.

New York Mets spring training camp has reached the halfway point, and prospects are trying to make positive impressions on manager Terry Collins and his coaching staff. Travis d'Arnaud and Zack Wheeler, among others, are exhibiting the skills that show they will have a very bright future in Flushing, N.Y. someday.

Other Mets prospects may be vying to make a final roster spot. Some realize they won't be heading north with the parent club, but they want the Mets' brain trust to consider them for a promotion down the road.

For a team that's probably going to finish last in the National League East for the third consecutive year, the Miami Marlins don't have many issues thus far. 

Missing “valuable” time will have another meaning for David Ortiz once the season begins in a couple of weeks.

Over the winter, Ortiz signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Ortiz is expected to make a base salary of $14 million in the upcoming season and $11 million the following year. But that all could change due to a clause in the deal he recently inked.