MLB

Opening Day came early to Wrigley Field on Sunday night, with the Chicago Cubs losing to the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-0, at the only stadium in professional baseball that could’ve really used an extra 24 hours of preparation.

Madison Bumgarner cemented his legacy as one of the best big-game pitchers of all time with his dominant performances in the 2014 postseason, leading the San Francisco Giants to their third World Series championship in five years. 

Bleacher Report's Stephen Nelson was joined by Bumgarner as he builds his ultimate starting rotation, discusses his friendship with Clayton Kershaw and explains his endorsement deals. 

"Opening day. All you have to do is say the words and you feel the shutters thrown wide, the room air out, the light pour in. In baseball, no other day is so pure with possibility. No scores yet, no losses, no blame or disappointment. No hangover, at least until the game's over."

—Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune 

The 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner is staying put, as the Cleveland Indians agreed to a new contract with pitcher Corey Kluber.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com provided details:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed Heyman's report.

Days before starting the 2015 season, the Cleveland Indians have reportedly given reigning American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber a long-term contract extension. 

Continue for updates. 

The Kansas City Royals locked up one of their most promising young arms Saturday. According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (via SportsCenter), Yordano Ventura agreed to a five-year, $23 million extension with the team. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided more detail:

Spring training is just about in the books, so let's take a look back at winners and losers. Players are hitting their stride with the regular season right around the corner. 

The media circus around New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriquez reached a boiling point this past month. Were A-Rod and the Yankees winners or losers during the spring?

Entering the 2015 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be in a rebuilding mode but with a bright future.

Young players are dominating the D-backs rotation and starting lineup thus far in spring training. Chase Anderson (27), Rubby De La Rosa (26), Jeremy Hellickson (27) and Archie Bradley (22) are all confirmed as part of the rotation.

Imagine arguably the best prospect in MLB, who has belted more home runs than any other player in spring training, starting the 2015 season in the minors.

Doesn't make sense, right?

Kris Bryant has been sensational for the Chicago Cubs. The 23-year-old finished spring training with a .425 batting average, nine home runs and 15 RBI.

Just as every baseball season has its breakout players, it also has its busts.

These are the players who had strong campaigns a season ago and are expected to be major contributors again in 2015. However, for one reason or several, they will become sources of disappointment.

Some of them are big-ticket free agents heading to new clubs, and some were surprise hits last season who are now being counted on to do it again. For others, injuries or their first real taste of big league ball will do them in.