MLB

The Arizona Diamondbacks began spring training games Wednesday, the first step toward getting ready for the 2015 campaign. 

Several players have opened eyes thus far in limited time such as Walter Ibarra, Peter O'Brien, Rubby De La Rosa and Archie Bradley to name a few. 

On the other hand, several big-name players who are supposed to contribute greatly during the upcoming season have not performed as predicted.

Officially, Alex Rodriguez is more than one week into his return. Unofficially, we have learned nothing.

Baseball has finally returned. With actual games—albeit ones that don't count—in the books, it's time for fantasy baseball players to buckle down for draft day.

While spring training shouldn't drastically change anybody's predraft outlook, ignoring the exhibition clashes altogether is also ill-advised. If you're searching for the right things, March happenings can help in small doses.

OK, first the obligatory caveat: It's spring training—and the beginning of spring training at that. Drawing firm conclusions now would be like critiquing a movie 26 seconds into the first trailer. On the other hand, Major League Baseball is back!

You want to talk about it. We want to talk about it.

Spring training is only a couple of games in, but there are already players starting to set themselves apart. Obviously, the stats include small sample sizes, but the ability that some players are showing has been impressive.

There is plenty of time left in spring training, but for now, there are teams clearly setting themselves apart with their work ethic and results. In particular, these five players have been turning heads so far.

Begin Slideshow

Gilberto Suarez, the man who helped Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig escape Cuba in 2012, will serve time in prison and be under house arrest for his role in violating U.S. immigration laws.   

It's going to be a while before we really know for sure. But for now, one thing at least appears to be true: Matt Harvey is back.

After nearly 19 months on the shelf, New York Mets ace Matt Harvey finally returned to game action Friday in a spring training contest against the Detroit Tigers.

Harvey worked just two innings, but they were spectacular as he was perfect and struck out three batters.

The American League East, won by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014, has seen its fair share of parity over the last several years. The Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Orioles have all taken turns hoisting the AL East flag. 

Here's the first look at the 2015 Lester's Legends Starting Pitcher Rankings.


1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw remains the best pitcher in baseball, as he won his third Cy Young in the past four seasons. In 2014, he went 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP and 239 strikeouts. Since 2011, Kershaw is 72-26 with 237 strikeouts per season, a 2.11 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.


2. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners