MLB

The 2013 Major League Baseball spring training schedule has been released and while it might not seem important to watch the MLB's preseason, that doesn't change the fact that there are some must-see matchups.

Some of these matchups will feature players in new places who are going up against their old mates, as well as some major new additions to teams that plan on making a push for the postseason in 2013.

While the Oakland Athletics didn’t have any legitimate stars last year, they managed to strike some magic, win the AL West and come within one win of the ALCS. However, this year the A’s won’t need a supply of magic to bring out the big-boy bats and pound opposing pitchers.

Felix Hernandez was just the latest ace pitcher to get paid, and here are the next maestros in line to bring in a fortune.

Here, we break down the bright future for the likes of Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Tim Lincecum and Adam Wainwright.

While we may have to wait a while to know with certainty how much these guys will be paid, recent contract extensions and signings have given us confidence in these predictions.

Some of the top tools and pitches in the minor leagues will be on display this spring, as many of the game’s top prospects have been invited to participate in big league spring training. Whether it’s Billy Hamilton’s speed, Wil Myers’ power or Gerrit Cole’s fastball, the future of baseball will undoubtedly be on display over the next month.

Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez arrived at spring training defiant, saying he never received performance-enhancing drugs from Tony Bosch's drug clinic, Biogenesis.

Pitching prospects will not decide the Philadelphia Phillies' fate in 2013.

If Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon do not perform as expected, the Phillies have virtually no chance to contend.

But the emergence of a young arm or three could mean the difference between just contending and a return to the playoffs.

The Cleveland Indians have not won a World Series title since 1948. Judging from the changes made this offseason, they're looking to put an end to that streak.

After finishing with a 68-94 record in 2012, Indians general manager Chris Antonetti went to work in revamping his roster.

Via trades and free-agent signings, Antonetti was active, and the end result is a product that promises to be more far more competitive in 2013.

Major League Baseball's Official Playing Rules Committee has opted to alter baseball's definition of the infield fly rule following a contested play late in the 2012 season that baffled broadcasters, flummoxed fans and caused a multi-minute delay.

Most teams would not extend their manager’s contract after a 79–83 record and a historic collapse. However, most teams are not the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After two decades of perpetual mediocrity, the Pirates have decided to extend Clint Hurdles’ contract for making them less bad.

Clint Hurdle pretty much has it all going for him. The owner loves him, and the fans seem to have a favorable opinion of him.

Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Alfredo Aceves recently made headlines with a puzzling lackluster performance during a practice drill. Despite concerns that such actions could negatively impact a team newly committed to a positive clubhouse, Boston shouldn’t give up on him yet.