MLB

With his 14th major league season set to begin on March 31 against the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox slugger Adam Dunn is just 10 home runs away from reaching the 450-homer mark for his career.

Looking at the calendar, seeing that the regular season is just around the corner, it's amazing to look at the names still on the market who can be had for the right price. 

Of course, with most of the top players, the big caveat for a team trying to sign them is giving up a draft pick and the slot money that goes along with it. It's amazing how much the new qualifying system has changed the way teams approach free agency. 

One of the more intriguing position battles of the spring is taking place in St. Louis Cardinals camp where Joe Kelly, who went 9-3 with a 2.28 ERA in 15 starts last season, is trying to hold off talented 22-year-old rookie Carlos Martinez for the last spot in the starting rotation. 

Ervin Santana's situation isn't unique. He's a big-name free agent who's still looking for work, but he's not the only one. Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales are in the same boat.

Santana's situation is, however, more puzzling. The right-hander is an innings-eater who's coming off a career-best 3.24 ERA, and he's floating on a market that has been very kind to pitchers.

In most areas, the St. Louis Cardinals are one of the heavyweights. Power lineup. Power starters. Power relievers.

The bench, however? Well, let’s be generous by calling them lightweights.

For a team possessing all the ingredients to reach the World Series this season, a bench absent of any semblance of pop could be a thorn in their strategy for success.

The New York Mets are 2-3 in spring training after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 on March 4. The record holds no bearing on the regular season and expectations are tepid, but fans are excited about the future rotation.